Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Script Format • Treatment • Character Arc

O.S. (Off Screen)

Term from Scriptwriting industry explained for recruiters

O.S. (Off Screen) is a term used in scripts and screenplays to indicate when a character's voice is heard but they are not visible in the scene. This could be someone speaking from another room, over a phone, or through a device. It's different from V.O. (Voice Over) because O.S. means the character is physically present in the scene's location but just not visible, while V.O. is typically used for narration or thoughts. Understanding this term is important when reviewing resumes of screenwriters, script supervisors, or anyone involved in script development.

Examples in Resumes

Wrote dialogue for complex O.S. sequences in murder mystery feature film

Directed scenes involving multiple Off Screen character interactions

Supervised script continuity including O.S. and Off Screen dialogue timing

Typical job title: "Screenwriters"

Also try searching for:

Script Writer Screenplay Writer Script Supervisor Continuity Supervisor Dialogue Writer Story Developer Script Coordinator

Where to Find Screenwriters

Professional Organizations

• Writers Guild of America
• International Screenwriters' Association
• Final Draft Community

Job Boards

Online Communities

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle complex scenes with multiple O.S. characters while maintaining clarity for the audience?

Expected Answer: A senior writer should discuss techniques for distinguishing multiple off-screen voices, maintaining clear scene direction, and ensuring the script remains easy to follow for production teams.

Q: What considerations do you take when deciding between using O.S. versus V.O. in a script?

Expected Answer: Should explain the difference between a character being physically present but unseen (O.S.) versus narrative voiceover (V.O.), and how each choice affects scene dynamics and audience engagement.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you format O.S. dialogue differently from regular dialogue in a screenplay?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of standard screenplay formatting, including proper placement of O.S. designation and how it differs from other dialogue indicators.

Q: Can you explain how O.S. dialogue can be used to create tension in a scene?

Expected Answer: Should discuss practical examples of using off-screen dialogue to build suspense, reveal information, or enhance dramatic moments.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What does O.S. mean in a script and when would you use it?

Expected Answer: Should explain that O.S. means off screen and is used when a character is speaking but not visible in the scene, giving basic examples like someone calling from another room.

Q: What's the difference between O.S. and V.O. in screenwriting?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that O.S. is for characters physically present but not visible, while V.O. (Voice Over) is for narration or internal thoughts.