Screenwriting : Stat card overlay by Ben Madeley

Ben Madeley

Stat card overlay

Hi everyone!

You guys have been so helpful over the past few months with some of my writing queries and I was hoping you could help with one more.

I am currently writing a TV series with almost a comic book feel. My idea is that with the introduction of each character as they appear on screen, I wanted to pause the actual footage for a moment as an overlay appears almost similar to a trading card/stat card. Something similar to that of, let's say, a Pokémon card, where it gives the characters comic name and lists a few stats/strengths/weaknesses. This will only last a few seconds before it goes and the we carry on with the episode as normal.

Obviously I have no idea on who to write this in a script format and would love some advise from all of you. Hopefully you guys understand what I mean.

An example would be Clark Kent has just walked on screen and as he introduces himself to someone as Clark. They freeze for a moment with trading card style overlay on the screen with- Clark Kent AKA Superman, weakness: kryptonite... And so on.

Look forward to the help.

Thanks in advance for everyone's input.

Ben.

Adam Harper

Dan beat me to it. I've seen increasing use of images in scripts. When used right (isn't jarring, matches the tone of the story) I think it works really well.

Nathan Smith

If inserting pictures isn't your thing, you can always use:

SUPER:

That's used to let the reader know the text that is superimposed on the screen to read. An example would be;

INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY

Superman walks into the building, cape blowing in the wind, a killer smile on his face and everything freezes a moment.

SUPER:

"Name: Superman

Alignment: Justice

Powers: Come on... he's Superman"

The world begins to move again as Superman steps onto the elevator.

Ben Madeley

Dan and Adam, great idea but unfortunately I'm not much of an artist. I think Nathan is on the right track to what I'm looking for and that would probably suit my style. Thanks for the quick responses guys!!

Nathan Smith

Happy writing!

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