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Initializing names (noob)

Which Lo Pan?

Which Lo Pan?

In a script, Is it ok to use the Initials of a character's name instead of constantly writing the whole name out? If it's acceptable, should I include a character key?
 
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It is not acceptable. But you don't need to write out
first, middle and last name. You may look at it as
constantly writing out the name but the reader of
the script does not want to refer back to a character
key all the time.

Are your character names so long that writing them
out is slowing you down.
 
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directorik said:
It is not acceptable. But you don't need to write out
first, middle and last name. You may look at it as
constantly writing out the name but the reader of
the script does not want to refer back to a character
key all the time.

Are your character names so long that writing them
out is slowing you down.
Click to expand...
The thing is, my characters don't have real names. They are anonymous assassins and are only known as French Maid, Canadian Logger, Japanese Fisherman, Chinese Laundromat Owner, etc.
 
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Which Lo Pan? said:
The thing is, my characters don't have real names. They are anonymous assassins and are only known as French Maid, Canadian Logger, Japanese Fisherman, Chinese Laundromat Owner, etc.
Click to expand...
You have set yourself up for challenges. That's your
choice and prerogative as the writer. If you are writing
this to shoot yourself you can use FM, CL, JF, CLO, etc.
if it will make your writing easier for you.

My answer was assuming you were writing the script as
a writing sample or to submit to agents or producers. In
that case you should follow the expected guidelines and
use the entire "name". It's going to take you a little longer
to write it out, but this is the choice you made as the writer.
There is no, acceptable, easy way out of this choice.
 
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directorik said:
You have set yourself up for challenges. That's your
choice and prerogative as the writer. If you are writing
this to shoot yourself you can use FM, CL, JF, CLO, etc.
if it will make your writing easier for you.

My answer was assuming you were writing the script as
a writing sample or to submit to agents or producers. In
that case you should follow the expected guidelines and
use the entire "name". It's going to take you a little longer
to write it out, but this is the choice you made as the writer.
There is no, acceptable, easy way out of this choice.
Click to expand...
Thanks alot. That's the way I've been writing it. FM, CL, etc. I'm almost finished with it, and I was planning on filming it myself, but for the sake of not confusing the actors when they read it, I think I'm gonna go back and write it all out. Anyways, the script isn't formatted correctly at all. It's written out more like a play, but I think everyone should be able to understand it. Thanks again.
 
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You can always run a search/replace for the initials later and convert them to the full name later. Might want to add a unique character to make that easier to identify in the search - &FM, &CL, etc. Or you could just use a screenwriting program like the previously mentioned Celtx which can auto-type names for you and will format things correctly as well.
 
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ItDonnedOnMe said:
You can always run a search/replace for the initials later and convert them to the full name later. Might want to add a unique character to make that easier to identify in the search - &FM, &CL, etc. Or you could just use a screenwriting program like the previously mentioned Celtx which can auto-type names for you and will format things correctly as well.
Click to expand...
Haha.. wow. I have a lot to learn, don't I?
 
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