Unusual circumstances: Clear notation of character names??

Hello,

I’m new to screenwriting, and have been doing a lot of research into format. There are a couple questions I would like to ask.

Question #1
The screenplay I’m working on involves identical clones. There are instances where the reader is not supposed to know which clone is which (in this case, which is really "Mike").

Here's an example of how I've been indicating this situation:
(These are just examples, not from actual scenes)

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Steve hears voices inside the dumpster. He lifts the lid and peeks inside. Two identical Mikes stare at him.

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp MIKE A
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Hi, I’m Mike.

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp MIKE B
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp No! He’s lying! I'm Mike!

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At another point, the reader knows which "Steve" is the original and which is the clone. Here’s an example of the format I was using:


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Steve finds a man who looks just like himself digging in the garbage can near the elevator. Steve (Steve 1) approaches his clone (Steve 2) and they shake hands.

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp STEVE 1
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Hi, I’m Steve.

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp STEVE 2
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp I’m your clone, nice to meet you, Steve.

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The idea is that A and B are used when the reader doesn’t know who is who, 1 and 2 are used when the reader does know who is who.

Is this an acceptable way to present such a concept? Or is there a more accepted (less confusing) standard for such a thing.

This is somewhat unusual and I haven’t really found a clear answer. Any input would be appreciated.

Question #2.
My script opens with a man driving. We don’t learn the identity of the man until the next scene when he is introduced as a speaker at a meeting. Is it ok to identify the man by name in the first scene? If not, how do you indicate that it is the same person?

Thanks.

gbelleh

Re: Unusual circumstances: Clear notation of character name

You need to be clear. A script is different from a novel. In a novel, you can hide the identy of a character and create suspense, but in a script you need to tell us what character is speaking. You do have characters like MAN 1, or WOMAN 2 but those are usually minor, unimportant characters. The A, B, 1, 2 are too confusing.

And yes, if the MAN is a major character with a name, you will need to identify him, even though the audience won't know his identity until later. The way, we're not confused that MAN 1 on page one is actually STEVE on page 100 (it's easier for the casting director or the actors, too).

Re: Unusual circumstances: Clear notation of character name

Thanks for the reply.

There is an extended scene where a character and his clone chase and fight each other through several environments. It becomes tedious (and confusing) to label them "Steve" and "Steve's clone" all the time.

Any suggestions for a better way to clearly present these characters?

Thanks again.

gbelleh

Re: Unusual circumstances: Clear notation of character name

You made me think back to "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey" where you have Ted & Evil Ted and Bill & Evil Bill. Ditto "Army of Darkness" where you have Ash and Evil Ash. Defining your twins that way would certainly lend clarity to their actions, e.g.

Steve raises his fists.

STEVE
Come on then! I'll fight you fair and square!

Evil Steve picks up a chainsaw.

EVIL STEVE
Okay.

...Shrug, just a thought.

-Derek
My Web Page - naked women, bestial sex, and whopping big lies.