Writing a phone call scene in a screenplay
I’m writing a scene that is on a phone call. I don't want to hear one person in a voiceover. Instead, I want to cut back and forth between the two people speaking.
Do I have to use a new scene heading every time, and notate the fact that the camera is cutting back and forth between locations?
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1 answer
No, do not use a new scene heading each time. Use INTERCUT, described at the link.
Basically, a scene heading for each separate scene, then "intercut between X and Y [and Z and ...]. Then exposition or dialogue without new scene headings.
The following excerpt is cut and pasted from the link as an example; pardon any screenplay formatting errors.
INT. SHERRI'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Sherri starts disrobing in front of her open bedroom window.
INT. LENNY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Lenny gets up to cross to the fridge to get a beer. He looks out his window and catches a glimpse of Sherri across the courtyard. He freezes, watching her.
INTERCUT BETWEEN LENNY AND SHERRI
Sherri sits on the bed and unbuttons her double-breasted suit jacket.
Lenny moves closer to the window for a better vantage point.
Sherri stands, hopping a few feet, trying to step out of her skirt.
Lenny, eyes glued to Sherri, moves to keep her in view. He slams his bare foot into a dumbbell on the floor.
Another example:
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Sherri, comfy on the couch, is reading a book when the phone rings. She answers it.
SHERRI Hello?EXT. PHONE BOOTH - REST AREA
Lenny sips a Coke as he talks.
LENNY Hey Honey, I'm in Barstow.INTERCUT BETWEEN LENNY and SHERRI
SHERRI Oh, Honey, that's great... you'll be here by morning. LENNY Yep... I've got the pedal to the metal.
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