An Extension is a modification to the Character Name, appearing directly after it in parentheses (or on the next line, if you prefer) and differs from a Parenthetical. It is commonly used to indicate that the Character speaking cannot be seen speaking on screen. The two most common Extensions are:
• |
V.O. —Stands for Voice Over, which tells the reader that the character is commenting on the onscreen action but is not part of it, or is narrating over the scene. |
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O.S. —Stands for Off Screen, which tells the reader that the character is not visible on screen but is nearby somewhere in the scene. |
To enter a Character Extension:
1. |
Press Shift+9 (left parenthesis) while the cursor is anywhere in a Character Name and a Character Extension pop-up list displays. |
2. |
You can either click on a menu item with the mouse or press the Hot Key (designated by the underline) for that item. For example, type “v” for (V.O.) and it is entered. |
New Extension—Displays the Character Extension User List, where you can enter text and create a new extension.
Add as Text—Enters whatever you type as a Character Extension, without adding it to the User List.
3. |
The cursor moves to a new Dialogue element. |
(If you pressed RETURN and the cursor's already gone to a blank Dialogue element, press DELETE to return the cursor to the Character Name element. Then press Shift+9 (left parenthesis).)
