Ask Dr. Format: WHERE IS THE CAMERA?

DAVE TROTTIER has sold or optioned ten screenplays (three produced) and helped hundreds of writers break into the writing business.  He is an award-winning teacher and script consultant, author of The Screenwriter’s Bible, and friendly host of keepwriting.com.  Read more tips on the Ask Dr. Format page.

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WHERE IS THE CAMERA?

QUESTION

There’s a scene where we’re standing by a lake. Then we’re under the water looking up through the water at some children standing by the lake. How the heck should I slug that?

ANSWER

Since EXT. and INT. refer to where the camera is, and not to where the objects or people being shot are, I would think something like EXT. UNDERWATER would work. Then describe the action. How about something like this?

EXT. LAKE SHORE – DAY

The children form a circle by the lake.

EXT. UNDERWATER – SAME

While the others dance, Pam peers down into the lake.

If you’re thinking of a point-of-view situation, such as a monster watching the children from deep below the water’s surface, just handle the second scene as follows:

EXT. UNDERWATER – SAME

An unseen lake monster watches the dancing children. Pam peers down into the lake.

 

THROWING VOICES

QUESTION

What is the proper format for dialogue involving a ventriloquist and his dummy?

ANSWER

I think the clearest and most effective way to handle this is to treat the two as separate characters:

                    VENTRILOQUIST
          You’re looking stiff today.

                    DUMMY
          I forgot to moisturize.

Here is a second correct method. In this case, we’ll have a little boy speak for his plush cat he has named Baba:

                    JIMMY
          Do you want to cuddle?

                    JIMMY AS BABA
          Only if you pet me, too.