How To Format A Phone Call In Traditional Screenwriting: Scenario One

Formatting a phone call in your screenplay can be tricky. Before you dive into a phone call scene, make sure you have a good grasp on the type of phone call you want to have in your scene and the correct way to format it in traditional screenwriting.

There are 3 main scenarios for screenplay phone calls that can be used across your entire script: 

For conversations where only one of the characters is seen and heard (a one-sided conversation), format the scene the same as you would normal dialogue.

Include beats, pauses, or specific character actions within the dialogue to signal the times when the off-screen character on the other end of the phone talking. 

Option 1

Option 2

In these examples, we cannot see or hear the female character on the other end of the line. The time where she is speaking and Johnathon is listening are represented by a pause in dialogue through the use of ellipses or parentheticals [(beats), (listens), etc.]

Option 3

You can also use action descriptions where appropriate to break up the conversation.

In traditional screenwriting, a scene with a call where only one of the characters is seen and heard is commonly referred to as a one-sided phone conversation. It is best to use this scenario for short calls.

There are a few different accepted techniques for formatting these types of calls within your screenplay, but they are largely formatted the same as normal character dialogue. Unlike normal dialogue, however, you will want to include beats, pauses, or specific character actions to signify the times where the unseen and unheard character on the other end of the phone is talking.

Option 1: Ellipses After Character Dialogue

This is the best option for one-sided phone call dialogue that does not involve any action or other on-screen character dialogue as it keeps your writing short and clean. Simply place an ellipse (...) at the end of each statement signifying the times when the other person speaks. 

Option 2: Parentheticals

Pauses in dialogue can also be represented through the use of parentheticals such as (beat), (listens), or (pause). While still an acceptable option, this tends to take up valuable page real estate within your screenplay.

Parentheticals are best used for scenarios where the character the audience sees speaking on the phone is also interacting with another on-screen character who is not part of the call. They are used here to signify what is said into the phone and what is said to the other on-screen character. Here's an example of a scene that takes place in Johnathon's apartment. He is seen talking on the phone and then to his younger sister, Janet, who is also at the apartment.

Option 3: Action Descriptions

Another solution for representing pauses in dialogue is the use of action descriptions if the character is doing something else while on the call during the time that the unseen/unheard character is speaking. Action descriptions, where appropriate, are nice for breaking up longer blocks of conversation dialogue. Be sure not to use an action description just for the sake of breaking up dialogue. Only include action if it adds to the scene.

Watch for our upcoming blog posts for formatting tips on the two remaining phone call scenarios. An intercut phone conversation is also something you'll often see in screenplays. You can find examples of an intercut phone conversation here. Or, click here for other examples on the basics of screenplay formatting. Like our posts? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

Happy Writing!