Screenwriting : Names by Roberto Dragonne

The standards is you only use all caps when introducing a character in a screenplay. Some writers take creative liberties and change things up. Did you read this in a produced screenplay?

Always ALL CAP a character's name when they first appear on FILM. Don’t all cap their name You don’t ALL CAP their name if it appears before the character is seen on screen. Don’t ALL CAP extras in your screenplay.

I think I read this on a sample online, but I'm not sure if it was produced. Thanks for your answer.

There are different standards in different countries. :-)

ive seen it both ways. personally, i think it gets distracting to cap every character everytime. Usually just when introduced. But you should also cap any extras or background roles in the scene. For instance, RUNNERS in the park pass by.

Danny. What you are saying about all capping extras is true but only if they must hire someone to play the role. Since all capping is done for production purposes you would not have to all cap any characters that you do not have to cast.

Thank you Sadie, Regina, Danny and Dan, very interesting points and advises.

Dan, i like to cap any character even if not casted just bc they still are there in the scene. Yes, most capping is for production or voice but even if random people are passing in the street, i usually cap that bc theyre in the scene.

Once they are introduced it's only polite for them to take off their caps...

Danny. I was taught you don't but I don't remember where I learned that so maybe the person that told me was full of it. As you know 90 percent of the people in this business are full of it and the other 10 percent are half full of it. lol.

I think I learned the same modality as William. Once the "limited use" character is introduced with CAPS, for the rest of the work caps is usually not used.

Thank you for asking this, Roberto. I was wondering the same thing since I've seen it both ways.

Yes Tivoli, this can be confusing. Thanks to all for your answers.

Instead of studying random scripts online, pick up a SCREENWRITERS BIBLE.

I agree with Shawn. Even if you what to read scripts you need to know what you do and don't do when writing spec screenplays because they are different than a production script.

You're right Shawn, thank you!

I was scrolling down to share Screenwriters Bible, but Shawn is faster at the draw. It's my go-go. Robert McKee's Story addresses structure, style, etc. I have used both books in storying for my novels too! https://www.amazon.com/Story-Structure-Substance-Principles-Screenwritin...

Great Patricia, thank you!