Asked by: Jason Copenhaver

How do you show VO in a script?

If you are not using the StudioBinder screenwriting app, it is still important to understand how to indicate voice over in a script. Simply use parentheses next to the character name and write “(V.O.)”.

What is OS and Vo?

V.O. (voice over) and O.S. (off-screen) are similar terms, but they have slightly different applications. Both are used to indicate that dialogue is spoken by someone not currently seen on the screen; the difference isn’t where the speaker is not, but where the speaker is.

What does Vo mean on a script?

Any speech from a character who is not visible should be designated as either off-screen or voice-over. Such designation is abbreviated as “O.S.” or “V.O.” written in ALL CAPS as an extension to the character cue.

How do you use VO?

V.O. is used in situations where the character speaking is not physically at the current scene location. So V.O., or voice over, is used for all telephone conversations, walkie-talkie conversations, radio dispatchers, narrators, television news conversations (if you don’t show us the T.V.), etc. Example: INT.

How do you write an OS in a script?

You write off-screen dialogue by writing the abbreviation “(O.S.)” after the character’s name in a script to inform the reader that we can’t see the character who is talking. A woman screams. Sarah creeps up the stairs, following the screeching voice, down the endless hallway. BAILEY (O.S.)

What does Oov mean in a script?

Out of View

OOV stands for “Out of View,” and is used much like (O.C.) or (O.S.). It is a term primarily used in U.K. screenwriting, and rarely seen in American scripts.

What does Sotto mean in a script?

softly spoken

However, many budding writers tend to rely too heavily on both types. Phrases like “beat” (a short pause), “re:” (“regarding”) and “sotto” (softly spoken) are particular culprits. But all actor directions should be used sparingly in film dialogue format.