ABSTRACT
Types of Dialogue Copy THE CONVERSATION As with single-voice copy, dialogue copy involves a conversation between two or more characters. The primary difference with dialogue copy is that your one-person audience is present in the script. Unlike most single-voice copy, dialogue usually involves a story with a specific plotline and interaction between two or more characters. It is important for you to understand the whole story, not just your part in it. If you limit your understanding to just your role, you may miss subtle details that are vital to effectively interacting with the other characters, or for creating the dramatic tension that is so necessary for giving the characters life and making them real to the listener. When two or more characters are having a conversation, I refer to it as interactive dialogue. Another form of dialogue is one in which the characters are not talking to each other, but are instead speaking directly to the audience in turn. A conversation is still taking place, but in this case, it is more one-sided with each actor sharing a portion of the overall delivery. I refer to this type of dialogue as shared information. This is very similar to a single-voice delivery, except that in this type of performance each character is interacting primarily with the audience, but must also respond appropriately to the other character sharing information. In the area of multi-voice ADR (automatic dialogue replacement) and looping, the dialogue lines may be adlibbed and a scene may
involve many voice actors. Regardless of the structure, all dialogue requires excellent listening, timing and performing skills. Interactions between characters must be believable and timing must be correct for a dialogue performance to be accepted by the listener. COMEDY Comedy is a very popular form of dialogue copy. It is not the words on the page that make a script funny; it is the intent behind the words. In part, comedy is based on the unexpected-leading the audience in one direction and then suddenly changing direction and ending up someplace else. Comedy is often based on overstating the obvious or placing a totally serious character in a ludicrous situation. Comedy can also be achieved by creating a sense of discomfort in the mind of the audience. Think of a comedy script as a slice of life-with a twist. Playing lines for laughs will never work. Laughs come only when the audience is surprised. Rhythm and timing are essential with dialogue. A natural interaction between characters, overlapping lines, or stepping on lines, gives a more real feeling and helps set the rhythm and pace of the story. Pauses (where appropriate), and natural vocal embellishments can add naturalness. Ask the producer or director before taking too many liberties with any copy; this is especially true with comedy dialogue. If the producer understands comedy, you may be given the freedom to experiment with your character and how you deliver your lines. Ultimately, your character should have precedence over the copy and certain ad-libs or other adaptations may be necessary to create the illusion of reality. Say your lines in a natural, conversational way, appropriate to the situation, and the comedy will happen. To be effective, comedy dialogue must have a sense of reality, even if the situation is ludicrous and the characters are exaggerated. The following tips and suggestions will help you perform comedy copy effectively. Tips for Performing Comedic Dialogue Copy
• Be real. Keep your character spontaneous and natural. Use a
back story or lead-in line to help get into the moment. • Find the dialogue rhythm. The rhythm for a comedic script will
be different from that of a serious script.
