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!
Screenwriting : Using Parent's Names by Nathan Locke
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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.
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Perfect, thanks so much!
Pleasure.
Depends how important they are or if their real names come up during the story. Artistic license, you know? If this is always from the POV of a four year old then "Mum" and "Dad" sound like a perfectly reasonable choice for character names. It's the kind of call you have to make, and can make, and it may not matter as long as it makes sense and you're consistent about it.