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SimplyScripts Screenwriting Discussion Board  /  Screenwriting Class  /  What Do I call them?
Posted by: Sandra Elstree., August 27th, 2008, 6:34pm

In the script I'm writing with children being at the main, it seemed natural at the beginning to use the titles: Mother and Father as names for the Collins' family parents.

Obviously, they have names, but it feels awkward writing: Lynne and Graham when from the context of the scene they are Mother and Father.

But then, when I enter into scenes with just them in the picture, it seems awkward to use their regular names. Should I bother to switch their titles in "grown up" scenes where we are in the "adult world" and out of childhood point of view?

Sandra
Posted by: MacDuff, August 27th, 2008, 6:37pm; Reply: 1
I think the choice is yours (wether it's Father, Mother, Lynne, Graham, Mr. Collins, Mrs. Collins, etc)... but whatever choice you take, I would make sure you keep it consistent through the script.

When it hits pre-production and the script is chopped up, it's easier for the team when all naming conventions are the same.
Posted by: dogglebe (Guest), August 27th, 2008, 7:12pm; Reply: 2
I think you should use their names, rather than Mommy and daddy.  It's expected that the kids would call them that but when the parents refer to each other by name, we know what it is.


Phil
Posted by: Shelton, August 27th, 2008, 7:47pm; Reply: 3
You could also go with something like TIM'S MOM and TIM'S DAD.  It will keep things consistent that way, even with the transition into adulthood.
Posted by: Sandra Elstree., August 27th, 2008, 9:07pm; Reply: 4

Thank you very much. It makes sense to keep it consistent. I think I might simply go with their regular names. I'll make the changes and then I don't have to worry about it looking awkward when it's just adults in scene.

Sandra
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