Screenwriting : How to format mistaken identities? by David Tackett

David Tackett

How to format mistaken identities?

The screenplay I'm writing right now has three characters mistook for an African hitman and his entourage. Each has a ridiculous accent when they are pretending to be that character. So do I put a parenthetical before each dialogue to denote that this line is meant to be the "character's accent" like (African Accent), or is there an easier way like adding the fake character name as a separate character? Or is that even easier?

I just have a lot of back and forth between their accents so I want to make sure I make it the least confusing. Thanks for any suggestions!

David Tackett

???

Doug Nelson

The actors are the ones that need to know that - that's information that needs be included in the character bios. It should be made clear to the Director and the Casting Department and incorporated during the auditions.

David Tackett

I don't think I'm being clear. They go in and out of the dialect and need to know when to use the dialect in the script. I'm using parentheticals. Is that the best option is what I'm asking.

Ivo Raza

several ways you could handle this. probably easiest to establish the accents in the description up front and then use an ongoing reference like parenthetical or a note to show each time the dialect changes. just make sure you're consistent.

Dustin Quinteros

I would put it in the Action Lines, when writing the character descriptions, and use a parenthetical only when they switch between their fake accent and normal accent, otherwise I'll just assume their speaking in the "dialog" of whatever parenthetical was last used..

Dan MaxXx

I'd change the font color. Make it simple for readers. Maybe add a brief note before page 1 of why the fonts are different colors. But that's just me.

Craig D Griffiths

I use parenthetical.

YURI

(Heavy Ukrainian Accent)

Hello, you need listen.

It also put syntax in the dialogue if it makes sense in the accent.

David Tackett

Thanks, Craig. That's what I have been doing. Just wanted to make sure I was on the right track.

CJ Walley

Bold is your friend with something like this with a note explaining the deal at the start. Simple, uncluttered, and photocopies in black and white.

Maurice Vaughan

David Tackett, I would add a note during the character introductions saying that they talk in fake accents sometimes, then use parentheticals when they use the fake accents. I would also bold the note during the character introductions. It would be a combination of what Ivo Raza, Dustin Quinteros, and CJ Walley said.

Donnalyn Vojta

I wouldn't do separate character names. That's definitely confusing. Depending on the length of the dialogue, you can put it in italics in the action section just before they start talking with the accents. So, something like, "Ed, Bill, and Greg approach the guard, each one using their fake African accents." At whatever point they stop the accents, just put that in the action section. If it only happens in a couple of lines here and there, put in a parenthetical below the character's name in the dialogue. Just put (AFRICAN ACCENT) in all caps like that.

Good luck, David!

Ewan Dunbar

if you keep the character names the same it will make it easier for actors, production departments and readers. As mentioned abobe, you can include a note in brackets to make it clear to the reader and actors that they are delivering the line in their alter-ego. You can have some fun with this too, like if the accent is unconvincing you can mention it.

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