Screenwriting : How do you insert the Text/SMS bubble graphics in your script? by Alden Tan

Alden Tan

How do you insert the Text/SMS bubble graphics in your script?

Hey all,

You know that Text or SMS bubble/box animated graphics thing that is pretty popular in a lot of new movies today?

They basically just show what the characters are typing.

Does anyone know how I can clearly write this up in my script?

For that matter, how do I correctly insert simple, animated graphics in my script if I want to indicate as such?

Just simple, animated graphics like that, not full scenes that make full use of CGI.

Thanks!

Kriss Sprules

Dave is texting.

SUPER: Sup?

Alice replies.

SUPER: nm, u?

If it's text on screen, it's always SUPER. What it looks like isn't your issue.

Alden Tan

Sweet! Thanks!

Beth Fox Heisinger

Hi Alden. I would suggest handling them simply in dialogue blocks. Because.... It's the director's choice how they are shown on screen. Here's John August's advice: https://johnaugust.com/2011/handling-ims-in-screenplays. :)

Also here's some additional recommendations by David Trottier on how to handle text messaging on the page: https://www.keepwriting.com/tsc/textinginmovies.htm. :)

I hope that helps! ;)

Alden Tan

Thanks Beth Fox Heisinger !

Gosh I am like blown away. I somehow kept thinking that it was up to me on how it'd appear on screen. Just knowing that it's up to the director makes it so much easier now.

Jorge J Prieto

Thank you Beth, for the link on showing or describing text on a screenplay. I had made my own system, close, but not what it should be. You are the best. Blessings. See, Alden, you have help me with your question. This is what's great about S32 and wonderful , giving members like our BFH.

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