Screenwriting : Using Parent's Names by Nathan Locke

Nathan Locke

Using Parent's Names

When writing a script is it better to use the real names of a character's parents or should I use 'Mum' and 'Dad' (which they are always referred to as)? Never had a clear answer on this one. Thanks in advance!

Rosalind Winton

In the character titles and action lines, you put their real names. In dialogue of course their children would refer to them as mum and dad. In my script, the parents are Rebecca and Harry, which is what I use other than when their children call them 'ma and pa' in the dialogue :)

For instance...

Rebecca enters the kitchen and lights a fire in the grate, Fay and Stella are at the table sewing.

REBECCA

Hello children

FAY

Hello Ma.

Nathan Locke

Perfect, thanks so much!

Rosalind Winton

Pleasure.

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