Character Names After Slug Line

[Skatch]

I have an ensemble cast. If there are five or so characters in a scene and they all have dialogue is it necessary to mention every character's name in the action part after the slug line (they have all previously been introduced earlier in the script) or can they just speak in the scene when they have dialogue?

ALSO... if the five or so characters are a small part of a larger group (the larger group is more background and is not active) can I just refer to them as "the group" without having to list everyone's individual name every time I have a scene with the group?

Thanks,
Skatch

[Patrick Sweeney]

It's all about clarity. I tend to remind the reader who's present when I switch between groups of characters, unless it's a very fast intercutting between scenes. I'll normally do it by quickly updating us on what each person's doing rather than just reeling off a list. I.e., Abe slams a shoulder into the locked door while Bess checks the phone -- no dial tone -- and Carl rifles the desk.

If it's obvious one scene follows from a previous one with the same group, I don't normally repeat the info. If one person leaves or one person enters, I just mention the changes. And as long as it's obvious which group I'm referring to, I'll call them the group, the gang, the cult, whatever fits.

[catcon]

That's funny, because this came up a lot in my recent spec.

First, I'd have a scene in which everybody was identified and had speaking parts or actions. Then, I'd have a scene with the description starting "Everyone...". But I'd realize that anybody who starts there (as in a script read, "turn to page 96, Scene 101, please") won't have a clue who "Everyone" is.

It's just a bit of space. So to start new scenes (unless they're marked CONTINUOUS from room to room, I suppose), I've taken to spelling out everybody who's present, who has action or dialogue.

To make it more interesting to read, you might make one or two of them"do" something in that first paragraph, so that it's more than just a list of cast.

After all, every script, every scene... IN LATE and OUT EARLY! Even the first line should have something happening!

[BattleDolphinZero]

As sweeny says, do what is most clear.

Say whatever you have to say to make the scene clear.

[jcgary]

Originally Posted by Patrick Sweeney

And as long as it's obvious which group I'm referring to, I'll call them the group, the gang, the cult, whatever fits.

I often default to 'our trio' or 'the quartet' or 'our four heroes' or whatever makes sense. Or 'the three bad guys' or -- you get my point.

But that's only when I'm really aching to do something different. Mostly I'll just name them, because it's really not that hard.


INT. COMMERCE CASINO, HIGH ROLLER LOUNGE - NIGHT

Chips, cards, the quiet din of a gambler's hell. Pat, Skatch, Catcon, Malcolm, and John do not look like they belong. Maybe they should've worn shirts that fit. Catcon snags a boba tea.

PAT

You have to pay for that.

Catcon replaces it on the waitress's tray. She didn't notice.

INT. COMMERCE CASINO, BACK CORRIDOR - NIGHT

The fivesome stalk the halls, try to look inconspicuous. It isn't working.

JOHN

Do you own shoes?

MALCOLM

Mandals are shoes.

Skatch shrugs at John. Technically, he's right.

[Hamboogul]

Wow, five people at Commerce Casino and four of them aren't Asian?

Have you even been there?

[odocoileus]

Originally Posted by Hamboogul

Wow, five people at Commerce Casino and four of them aren't Asian?

Have you even been there?

Just like there's only one Asian doctor in every medical show. And no Asian lawyers in legal shows.