In my script I need to designate that the character is watching an important news flash on TV/internet. The words the newscaster is saying is vital to the story. Do I put that dialogue in as a character saying it, or just describe it as action or general? I've formatted it as dialogue, but it looks a bit weird. Any comments, ideas or suggestions from someone that knows. Also if the character reads an email... how do you format that correctly? Thanks.
Screenwriting : Screenwriting question by Ami Brown
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You would definitely include the Newscaster as a character and write out all of their dialogue. If the news scene is the focus of the screen then it would be written out like any other scene with a slugline and the understanding that this is what the audience sees exclusively. If the scene also includes the characters watching the tv, then include that in the description of the scene and write the Newscaster's lines like every other character in the room.
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For question one: it should definitely be dialogue. For question two: I know what I do, which is to format the "General" style in Final Draft as slightly indented (5 characters or so). Then I use that style for something read -- a sign, a note, etc. But I have no idea if that's "right". I've done it that way for so long I can't remember if I got it from somewhere or just improvised it. :) But I've never had a reader complain. Ultimately clarity is what matters.
Would you put what the email said in quotes? Like character reads e-mail. "Dear Ann, blah, blah." Thanks
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No, no quotes. I would write it like this: Joe unwraps a Twix bar as he reads the email: |||||Dear Joe: |||||We knew this couldn't last. Your candy |||||addiction has made you unbearably surly. |||||Love, Laura Joe stares at his Twix bar. How could anything so delicious be so destructive? But, again, I can't claim that's "standard". On the other hand, it's pretty clear, no? I'm sure eventually some one will weigh in and say that on a recent podcast John August said xyz... But until that happens, there's my answer.
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For the record, I should say I might do it differently if it were just a few words. Jim reads the note. It says, "Screw you. Ann." But, again, I don't speak with a voice of authority here.
Thanks. Looks very clear and I think that is the key. I'll be consistent too.
Simple italics.
Alle - So the main character is doing research on a specific subject on the internet. He finds old footage of the person he is trying to locate doing an interview...which the information she gives during the news interview is important part of the plot. He is watching the interview, we see him watching the interview - the newscaster asks a question and the girl answers it in the interview.
I think I have the email sorted. Marks phone buzzes, he looks and reads e-mail message: Mark, sorry I can't meet you for lunch, something has come up. Sorry Jen. I would just have this in the action category, and not in the center like dialogue.