Screenwriting : Reintroducing the same character later in age. by Michael L. Mizrahi

Hey Bjorn, Thanks for the reply. i didn't mean introduce a "new actor" in the script. I meant, because the character is now 20's do I format it (ALL CAPS) like it's a new character. But so far, I think (now 25) or (late 20's) works for this scenario. The story follows a character from birth, teens, 20s, 30s, 40s

Are they going to both have equal time or is he just a teen for very little of the script?

What I've done, if is yes, have them in all caps and the teen would be YOUNG MICHAEL, 15, etc.

And then when he's older, just MICHAEL, 20s, (Young Michael all grown up)...

I guess just so it's clear to the reader.

Oh just read your comment in the comment section, so TEEN MICHAEL, 20s MICHAEL, 30s MICHAEL. But it's probably more likely the same actor can play 20/30 or 30/40 so if that's the case, just make it clear in your Action description and don't do a new CAPS intro if it's the same actor. That's how I would do it anyhow.

My answer is no. e.g. I introduce HOLLY (7) in my opening scene, ten years later she reenters - other actors refer to her as Holly and again in another ten years. Of course the visual has changed and different Actors play the roles. I never re introduce her as a new character. (Just my way.)

How did Barry Jenkins write “Moonlight”? Maybe read the script and see how he did it on the page.

I agree with Nick but even if they are going to be played by the same actor they have to know if they are playing a YOUNG BIFF or and OLDER BIFF.

I do same as @Doug eg Jake age 7, Jake age 20 etc. The only time I would introduce them as a new character is if they were leading an alias/ double life in actual script and were pretending to rest of the characters in the story they were someone else.

Thanks all. I'm going to do all caps when introducing the changed FRITZ AT 16, FRITZ AT 27... and change the names of the characters (when speaking) respectively. It seems the best way.

p.s, I hate using caps in the action lines at all. It is definitely a better read without them. Now I only use caps when introducing a principle/recurring/speaking character. I don't all caps introducing all characters, sounds or anything else. Keep it simple.

I write the name of the character and say " now 20 years old " between commas, or "ADULT Jake". Jake (7) and then Jake (20) is another option.

Hi Michael,

This might have already been said...my apologies if that's the case.

If Fritz, like you said, is played by two different actors, then I would use YOUNG FRITZ and OLDER FRITZ in my character headings. I would also make a reference to the year/time difference in my narration when that time first happens.

The reason I would use YOUNG FRITZ and OLDER FRITZ is for production reasons. Somebody has to make the schedule for scene shoots, and having that clearly spelled out for them is necessary in the shooting script (even if a production person is doing it). I"m not saying that a reader is going to toss your spec script at the spec reading stage because you didn't do that in your spec script, but I'd want my script to look as professionally finished/polished as possible.

I'm sure it's been done both ways in previous scripts, but I'd personally go with the YOUNG FRITZ and OLDER FRITZ in my spec script.

Best fortunes in your creative endeavors, Michael, and stay safe!

Bill Costantini Its a BIOPIC, I have probably at least 3 actors not including baby, teen, late 20s, late 30s, late 40-50s.

Catarina De Cèzanne and what about the character name when they have dialogue. do you write the same?

Good question! Great answers!

Hi Michael,

Okay....then just make him the same age throughout the whole script! Heh-heh. Just kidding.

Like I said in my previous post....I'm sure it's been done both ways. The only script I can remember off the top of my head with a similar situation is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I do recall there being passages where Benjamin was at different ages, and the character headings were something like BENJAMIN AT TEN; BENJAMIN AT EIGHT; and BENJAMIN AT SIX. And the writer started each section with the year in the scene heading., so we knew the time period as well.

Check out that script if you can for a look. I'm sure it's still available for free online.

Best fortunes in your creative endeavors, Michael, and stay safe!

@Michael yes. In the format yes, then if other characters used to call him little Jack, or Jackie or a funny nickname, they will probably stop calling him that when he is 20,.. or maybe not - it's up to you. But in the action line yes, you should put the same name, and indicate the age.