If you have a character who will not be revealed or important till later but want them to be in the background in earlier scenes. How is it best to do that? For example, a character who will be important character later in a series, but is at the same party as the mains in the first episode in the background. Do you introduce their name or just " a pretty girl sits next to the boss" type thing, make a note somewhere, etc.? Second sub question, if it is a pilot you are pitching would it be different since the reader won't have a chance to meet the character. Thank you!
Screenwriting : Cameo Character ? by Jill Godley
Stage 32 Moderator at Blue Pen ♦ Screenwriter, Script Consultant
2 years ago
Cameo Character ?
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as far as I know, according to the rules, you must write the name of the character in large letters at the first appearance in the scene, if he plays an important role in the script and if he will be addressed by name in the future.
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According to "Doctor Format," Dave Trottier, "...individual characters, whether referred to by name or label (such as CHUBBY COP) should be CAPPED when they first appear in narrative description, even if they don't have any dialogue lines in the script."
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Read The Usual Suspects screenplay. There is a major character off-screen on page 1 and voice over narration throughout.