Screenwriting : Les by Les Collins

Go for it!

Sorry for the delay. I understand it is standard practice to capitalize a character name when they first appear on screen. My story has a SMALL FIGURE emerges. They are far in the distance at this point. In the next slug I replace the SMALL FIGURE with their ACTUAL NAME in all caps. I'm having a hard time getting clairification on this particular application. Thanks

Don't cap small figure.

I've exhausted every possible avenue to get an answer to a question about character introductions. Here is an example of my dilemma. Opening scene description: In the distance, a small figure emerges. Then after the very next secondary slug, I write CHARACTER NAME, in the description. I did it this way because the first appearance is too far away to be recognized. Should I also cap SMALL FIGURE? If so how do I convey they are the same person even though it is obvious to the reader?

I read this as the small figure is just a visual in an action text block. CAP the character name at the first intro (& provide a brief visual) and CAP the character cue from there on.

So even though the SMALL FIGURE is actually the first appearance on screen, wait to cap in the following description as the camera moves closer?

Sorry, my response must have been invisible, I'll try it again. Don't cap small figure.

Thanks everyone

You ALL CAP a character’s name when they first appear on film which in your case was when the small figure appeared in the distance.

Don't think so Dan. The small figure is just a part of the background - don't CAP it then. When the figure gets big enough to have an identity - typically in the scene when he's about to first speak - then introduce the character in CAPs. It makes it easier for the reader; just my pov.

Doug. It all depends on if the actor must be in the first scene.

If the background small figure has a line, I would CAP, otherwise not. If so, then:

"how do I convey they are the same person even though it is obvious to the reader" Don't assume what's obvious to a reader. Be clear.

Use Caps on first intro of character - if they have a speaking role. It's more confusing to intro a generic title then add a name as the character approaches. As noted, during script breakdown SMALL FIGURE and CHARACTER NAME could be associated with two actors.

In the distance, FRED looks small against the wherever the hell we are.

Closer now, Fred does whatever he does.

Question

I agree with Tony because it could confuse someone when doing a breakdown. It might be a little embarrassing if they accidentally they end hiring two actors because you all capped SMALL FIGURE and the character's NAME in the next scene. I've done breakdowns and I doubt that would happen but it could.