??? quick question about voice over ???

Stylo

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When you've got a series of shots, with a voice over (think advert) do you write the dialogue before the action, or vice-versa? (or doesn't it matter).
 

krano

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I'd start with the action first so that the reader is grounded in what's going on and knows what the voice is talking about.
 

FTL

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Yeah, what krano said (the casino script is a good example).
 

WriteKnight

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You said 'think advert' - meaning you are writing advertising copy? Typically that is done with an AV format - not a standard screenplay format. This is a dual collum format with the action (usually) on the left in boxes that line up with the dialogue/voiceover on the right.

IF I understood your question correctly?

If you are talking about standard formating in a screenplay, then usually the action will proceed the voice - but the voice can 'lead' the action as well.
 

Stylo

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Thanks for advice all.