Extension
Final Draft style: Character
The Extension is added to the Character Name to indicate:
- Off-Screen voice (O.S.) - The character is in or near the scene location but not in the shot.
- Voice-Over (V.O.) - The character is not speaking in the location.
Off-Screen voice (O.S.)
If a character is off-screen but in proximity to the scene, e.g. in an adjoining room or simply nearby but out of frame, add (O.S.) after their name.
Example
ALEX
Where's the book?
EMILY (O.S.)
I've got it here in the kitchen.
Voice-Over (V.O.)
If a character is narrating, reminiscing, thinking, flashing back, or talking on the phone, etc., i.e. not speaking within the scene location, add (V.O.) after their name.
Example
ALEX (V.O.)
At the time, they had no idea how much the book was worth.
SUGGESTION: If a character is on TV or a phone and we can see them as they speak, you don't need to use an extension but if we can't see them, use the V.O. extension.
Revised: April 26, 2025
© 2007-2025 Ken Briscoe