Screenwriting : Using the door phone by Göran Johansson

Göran Johansson

Using the door phone

Since I have recently asked many formating questions, you may wonder how many more questions I have. I hope this is my second last question.

The scene is outside a large house with stairs to a grand entrance. Albert enters and rings the door phone. Then he tells what he wants.

Here follows alternatives, so please tell what the production companies prefer :

-

Albert rings the door phone.

ALBERT

This is Associate Professor Albert Zweistein. Is the chancellor free?

-

Albert enters. Standing at the entrance, he presses the intercom button.

ALBERT

(to intercom)

This is Associate Professor Albert Zweistein. Is the chancellor free?

-

Albert presses the intercom button. BEEP.

ALBERT

(into intercom)

This is Associate Professor Albert Zweistein. Is the chancellor free?

-

Albert on the door phone.

ALBERT

This is Associate Professor Albert Zweistein. Is the chancellor free?

-

Please tell what is best to write.

Jennifer Strome

Keep it simple. Most of these work but since it's set outside and you've already anticipated your character asking if someone is in....then typical scenario when a bell is rung is that it's answered whether by intercom or at the door. Here's a direct way of stating what you envision.

Scene: Outside a large house.

Action: Albert climbs the grand steps and rings the bell.

Intercom/OS: Hello?

Albert: This is Associate Professor Albert Zweistein. Is the Chancellor free?

Good luck.

Hope that helps.

CJ Walley

Third one is the way I would do it. That's what parentheticals are for.

Göran Johansson

Many thanks, my dear friends, Nice with such great help. Any more comments.

Other topics in Screenwriting:

register for stage 32 Register / Log In