OC in a screenplay stands for "off camera".
This notation, typically written as (O.C.) next to a character's name when they speak dialogue, indicates that the character is physically present within the scene but is not currently visible on screen. It's a vital piece of formatting that guides both the filmmaking team and the audience's understanding of the scene's dynamics.
Understanding "Off Camera" (O.C.) in Detail
When a character's dialogue is designated with (O.C.), it conveys specific information about their role and presence in the scene:
- Physical Presence Implied: Unlike a voice-over (V.O.), where a character might be narrating from a different time or place, a character marked (O.C.) is understood to be in the immediate vicinity of the action. They might be just outside the frame, in an adjacent room, or temporarily hidden from view.
- Audio-First Focus: The primary intent is for the audience to hear the character's voice. This can be used to build anticipation for their entrance, maintain their presence without showing them, or simply facilitate dialogue when a character steps out of the camera's view.
- Directorial Guidance: For a director and crew, (O.C.) signals that the dialogue should be recorded and played as if coming from a specific, nearby physical location. It influences sound design and blocking decisions.
- Scene Dynamics: It helps establish the spatial relationships between characters and the environment, even when not all characters are visually presented at all times.
Differentiating (O.C.) from (V.O.)
It's crucial to distinguish between (O.C.) and (V.O.) (Voice Over) in screenplay format:
| Feature | (O.C.) - Off Camera | (V.O.) - Voice Over |
|---|---|---|
| Presence | Character is physically present in the scene/location. | Character is not physically present in the scene (e.g., narrator, internal thoughts, phone call, recording). |
| Source | Voice comes from a plausible, unseen source within the scene's world. | Voice often comes from outside the scene's immediate reality, or is heard only by the audience. |
| Example | A character speaking from an adjacent room or just off-screen. | A narrator describing events, a character's inner monologue, or dialogue from a recording. |
Practical Examples of (O.C.) Use
The "off camera" designation is used in various common scenarios:
- Character Entering/Exiting: A character speaks a line as they are about to step into the shot, or just after they've walked out of frame.
- Dialogue from Another Room: A character in the living room hears someone speaking from the kitchen or bedroom.
- Unseen Observer: A character speaks from a hidden vantage point, such as behind a door, from a bush, or from inside a closet.
- Building Tension/Surprise: A voice is heard before the speaker is revealed, creating suspense or a moment of surprise.
Example:
INT. APARTMENT KITCHEN - DAY
SARAH (30s) hums while making coffee.
MARK (O.C.)
Did the mail come yet?
Sarah glances toward the front door.
SARAH
Not that I saw!In this example, Mark is somewhere else in the apartment, just out of the kitchen's view, yet his dialogue is an active part of the scene.
Proper use of (O.C.) is fundamental to clear screenplay communication, ensuring that the intended visual and auditory experience of the story is precisely conveyed.
