Dialog
Dialog (or dialogue) is the written conversation between characters in scripts, screenplays, or other written works. It's a fundamental element in scriptwriting that helps tell the story, reveal character personalities, and move the plot forward. When someone mentions dialog skills on their resume, they're referring to their ability to write natural-sounding conversations that feel realistic and engaging. This is different from descriptive writing or stage directions, focusing specifically on the words that characters say to each other.
Examples in Resumes
Crafted compelling Dialog for award-winning short film series
Improved character development through realistic Dialogue in TV pilot scripts
Led Dialog revisions for animated series targeting young audiences
Typical job title: "Dialog Writers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Dialog Writers
Online Communities
Job Boards
Events & Conferences
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach rewriting dialogue for different audience demographics?
Expected Answer: A senior writer should discuss their experience adapting language and tone for different age groups or markets, understanding cultural sensitivities, and maintaining character consistency while making necessary changes.
Q: How do you handle dialogue revisions when working with multiple stakeholders?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience managing feedback from directors, producers, and studios while maintaining the integrity of character voices and story elements.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you ensure each character has a distinct voice?
Expected Answer: Should explain their process for developing unique speaking patterns for different characters based on their background, personality, and role in the story.
Q: How do you balance exposition and natural conversation in dialogue?
Expected Answer: Should discuss techniques for revealing necessary information to the audience while keeping conversations feeling authentic and not forced.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What makes good dialogue different from regular conversation?
Expected Answer: Should understand that good dialogue moves the story forward, reveals character traits, and is more focused than everyday speech while still sounding natural.
Q: How do you format dialogue in a screenplay?
Expected Answer: Should know standard screenplay formatting rules for dialogue, character names, parentheticals, and scene descriptions.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic screenplay formatting
- Character voice development
- Grammar and punctuation rules
- Basic story structure
Mid (2-5 years)
- Subtext and subtlety in dialogue
- Adaptation for different mediums
- Collaboration with creative teams
- Script editing and revision
Senior (5+ years)
- Managing multiple character arcs
- Writing for various genres
- Meeting production deadlines
- Mentoring junior writers
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to format dialogue properly in standard screenplay format
- Dialogue samples that sound unnatural or overwrought
- No understanding of character voice or distinction
- Lack of experience with script revision processes
Related Terms
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