Nitpick about NUMBERS

razormoney · Nov 7, 2006

All,

Sorry if this is addressed elsewhere, but I couldn't find it.

And this is very nitpicky.

Is there a standard for writing numbers in a screenplay? What I am used to is writing out ONE through TEN then using the actual numeber values for 11 and above. I haven't been able to find a standard. Right now I figure it doesn't matter as long as you're consistent. Also didn't know if there were any different rules of thumb when writing about ages. I often see "mid-thirties" as well as "mid-30s" in character descriptions.

What are the rules of thumb you've seen (if there are any)?

Thanks,

R

icerose · Nov 7, 2006

not sure on the nitpick but I simply apply the standard rules of english to my script writing. When it is spoken within dialog or is within action without being shown, I write it out. If it is a visual I put it in quotation marks and have the actual numbers.

dpaterso · Nov 7, 2006

Yeah what icerose said. I spell out numbers in dialogue, except for years, which I trust actors to articulate into the correct vocal sounds.

I don't mind how ages are written, longhand or shorthand, makes no difference. Some people put 'em in brackets, some don't. If you like using a narrative voice then why not spell it out, e.g. and just for fun's sake,

Cletus is struck dumb by the sudden appearance of JOLENE, a pretty fortysomething woman.

...Which maybe scores over the colder,

Cletus is struck dumb by the sudden appearance of JOLENE, 40s, pretty.

Shrug, my thoughts.

-Derek

scripter1 · Nov 8, 2006

In the books,

including Trottier's, numbers are written out NO MATTER how big but dates are written numerically.

So if you have someone at the bank asking for $100 then the line would be

"One hundred dollars please."

It still applies to age.

"My daughter is seven."

It is my understanding that this is done to avoid any possible confusion when the script is numbered and marked up for shooting.

Using MOLLY (45) is acceptable and so is MOLLY, mid forties....

Depends on your style.

razormoney · Nov 8, 2006

Good stuff

Thanks all.

R

Nitpick about NUMBERS

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