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There are plenty more so I will stop there. I tried finding a source to back up what you are saying and I couldn't find any. I would be interested to see if you can find one.
Who am I? A man with a hundred stories... you want to read one? Analyst, mentor, competition reader/judge, film critic, magazine article/blogger. https://simpsonliteraryagency.com/script-analyst
Intercut is used only when both locations are being filmed, and in that case, you are correct that V.O. would not be used. But it's a different format. You introduce one setting, then you introduce the other side of the conversation's setting, and then intercut.
The method Barry describes is how telephone conversations used to be done in films, the method Matthew cited seems more popular today (the remote party V.O. in an "over-the-phone" voice).
The current thing that screenwriters are trying to feel out is how to convey texting on-screen. The earliest example I know was Jumping Jack Flash, where it was either read out loud by the recipient or (after the parties spoke with one another) in V.O. with the sender's voice.
But how should it be shown to an audience? We haven't quite figured that out yet.
Back to the topic at hand, we now have a few arrows in our quiver for phone conversations, and opinions can differ on the best method. But any of them will be recognized by the director, then the director's going to go with the method they think works better for the story.
For the record, I wasn't knocking the other methods, all of them are fine to use. I was just challenging the advice that V.O "must never be used" for any newbies who happen upon this thread.
Let me reiterate... if you chose to write a telephone conversation by means of intercutting between the 2 characters that are both on-screen, speaking... then neither are (V.O)! If you chose the same format where only one character is on screen speaking, then the other will be (O.S). Whilst it is not necessary to mention this character as (O.S), we will certainly not mention him/her as (V.O)
If you have only one character speaking over the phone... whereby we not writing (hearing) dialogue from the other character. Well, then nothing applies to the aforementioned.
If one character is in the scene on the phone talking... and the other character is heard (written) speaking back and not seen, that character is (O.S) and not (V.O) Again, whilst it is not necessary to mention this character as (O.S), we will certainly not mention him/her as (V.O)
Cause, a well-written script will not require all this "hustle" as an equally professional reader/producers will get it.
* (V.O) Is a character's thought and or speaking to themself in their mind. Also, used as a narrative. And in some instances used as opposed to a parenthetical.
You can't have (V.O) in a telephone conversation!
Who am I? A man with a hundred stories... you want to read one? Analyst, mentor, competition reader/judge, film critic, magazine article/blogger. https://simpsonliteraryagency.com/script-analyst
If one character is in the scene on the phone talking... and the other character is heard (written) speaking back and not seen, that character is (O.S) and not (V.O) Again, whilst it is not necessary to mention this character as (O.S), we will certainly not mention him/her as (V.O)
Cause, a well-written script will not require all this "hustle" as an equally professional reader/producers will get it.
* (V.O) Is a character's thought and or speaking to themself in their mind. Also, used as a narrative. And in some instances used as opposed to a parenthetical.
You can't have (V.O) in a telephone conversation!
You can format however you like, Barry.
Sure if you use O.S then the reader will probably understand what you mean.
But why are you advising people to not use what is considered industry standard? V.O is for a character not currently in the scene (other end of a phone) and O.S is for a character in a scene but not currently seen. (It makes a difference when it comes to production/sound, there is a distinction for a reason)
All of the links I gave you, as well as the texts on screenplay format (including Trottier's Screenwriters Bible) suggest using V.O. for this purpose? telling people they can't use it is just shoddy advice.
Where is it that you've been told to not use V.O. for a telephone conversation? any sources or is this just your opinion?
Who am I? A man with a hundred stories... you want to read one? Analyst, mentor, competition reader/judge, film critic, magazine article/blogger. https://simpsonliteraryagency.com/script-analyst
Who am I? A man with a hundred stories... you want to read one? Analyst, mentor, competition reader/judge, film critic, magazine article/blogger. https://simpsonliteraryagency.com/script-analyst
With all respect... your script, dialled-up. Is what I was referring to.
Who am I? A man with a hundred stories... you want to read one? Analyst, mentor, competition reader/judge, film critic, magazine article/blogger. https://simpsonliteraryagency.com/script-analyst
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