Screen play formatting?! HELP

[TheDance511]

Hey everyone. I am having a little bit of trouble here. I am an independent film maker and i am writhing my next screen play for the next film im about to make... anyway my im gonna sum it up like this..ill try my best to explain this.. i am short on words(ironic for a writer) mayeb not okay but here...

MOM
Did you do your homework today David?

DAVID
No.

PHIL
Dana leave the kid alone he has had a rough day.

So you read this.....i am having trouble deciding what "MOM'S" name should be because she is MOM to DAVID but DANA to PHIL..you see what im saying.. So what do i name her? when i type the characters name do i just type MOM/DANA to let the reader know that MOM and DANA are the same person or should i just pick DANA or MOM and expect the reader to know who i am talking about..Sorry for the lack of clarification here..but i am kind of tired anyway..if you have any help for me please post here

 

[Allotriophagy]

DANA.

 

[ebouwman]

maybe use the square brackets [ ]

 

[TheDance511]

thanks...didnt even think of that.....

 

[e²Studios]

Or use some software to help you

If all else fails Google is your friend.

Ed

 

[ebouwman]

good luck with your screenplay/film

 

[TheDance511]

good luck with your screenplay/film

thanks guys....

 

[ebouwman]

I'm doing a grade 12 film class right now, lots of fun

Usually the screenplays we make aren't too specific

 

[sturigdson]

Just go with DANA. the first time david calls her "Mom," it'll make perfect sense to the reader.
Remember, the screen play is all about the visual film- so when you see this movie on screen it will be more clear that Dana is David's mother, as well.

Good luck! keep us posted.

 

[TheDance511]

Just go with DANA. the first time david calls her "Mom," it'll make perfect sense to the reader.
Remember, the screen play is all about the visual film- so when you see this movie on screen it will be more clear that Dana is David's mother, as well.

Good luck! keep us posted.

will do..il have it done in a week maybe..ill post it for those who are interested...im pullin a all nighter tonight though

 

[ebouwman]

will do..il have it done in a week maybe..ill post it for those who are interested...im pullin a all nighter tonight though

D'you mean done filming/editing, or done the screenplay?

 

[TheDance511]

D'you mean done filming/editing, or done the screenplay?

just having it written...i wont have it filmed for a while...till i can find a 14 yr old actor....but ya ill post the script for feedback