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Formatting the one-sided phone conversation

I’m curious about your format for writing a one-sided phone conversation.

I’ve seen it done in so many different ways now, that I have no idea if there is a more uniform way of doing it, or a preferred way.

I’ve seen…

or…

Then, I’ve seen some similar to above, but filled with (beat) instead.

Is there one correct way to do it?

– Kris
New York City

There’s no one “right” way, but I tend to choose the first option, since space is always at a premium. The only time to break out the parentheticals is if something really is changing on Kevin’s side of the conversation: the tone, the intent or the direction of the conversation.

You’ll also need a parenthetical (or a separate action line) if Kevin is speaking to someone on-screen and on the phone at the same time.

For instance, here’s an exchange from Go:

5 Responses to “Formatting the one-sided phone conversation”

1. Alan McCoy
   June 16th, 2005 at 8:48 am

   What if you want the audience to be able to hear the character on the other end without seeing them? Would that require an (O.S.) parenthetical for the character on the other end?

2. Joseph
   June 17th, 2005 at 9:13 am

   Alan,

   I’ve always used filtered, ie:

   Mary picks up the phone and dials Brenda’s number. After two RINGS, Brenda answers.

             BRENDA (filtered)
             Hello?
   
             MARY
          You won't believe what just happened.
   

   I used to use VO, but then I read on wordplayer.com that filter was the way to go because the voice is coming through an “electronic device that will modify the vocal”

3. RDane
   June 17th, 2005 at 11:38 am

   The coolest thing about that bit of dialogue from GO is that we actually get to hear the other side of the conversation later on. HILARIOUS!

4. Sean Palma
   June 17th, 2005 at 12:13 pm

   John great example.

5. Russell Bolding
   January 17th, 2008 at 9:51 am

   So, if it is a two sided conversation but you don’t see the other person and you use (filtered), how many times do you have to use (filtered)?

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