a person quoting someone else and

writeaway · Jul 2, 2010

using the index and ring fingers to make the quoting gesture. See photo, it's the only one I can find.

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/photos/uncategorized/200702210818pix1.jpg

how do I write this in a script? A character making this gesture while telling someone a story?

Thanks

alleycat · Jul 2, 2010

They're often called "air quotes". You could use that.

small axe · Jul 2, 2010

Yes, I'd second the suggestion, almost everyone reading would understand "air quotes" ... maybe say air quotes gesture to be clearest?

Though some folks do that gesture, two fingered, to mean "vampire fangs" or "venomous cobra strike"

But if your character were quoting something maliciously ... there ya go.

writeaway · Jul 2, 2010

Thank you both, didn't know they were called air quotes.

clockwork · Jul 3, 2010

I'd probably just go with--

JOHN
I saw Meg today. She said we were "just friends".

or if you want to make it clear the actor should physically do the action...

JOHN
I saw Meg today. She said we were
(does air quotes)
"just friends".

Personally, I'd go with the first. I think you get it and you run the risk of directing actors with the second.

Verbal · Jul 3, 2010

Hmm. Because air quotes are pretty common, a reader may feel like you think they're some kind of idiot (not usually what one goes for). I like Clockwork's first suggestion unless there's something more to the gesture.

JOHN
"Just friends." Yeah. Right.

vs.

JOHN
And that's when she said it.

JOHN'S PAL
What? What did she say!?

JOHN
She said they were...
(massive air quotes)
Just friends.

JOHN'S PAL
Dude. I'm so sorry.

Can't help wondering how the writers described it for Dr. Evil's "Laser" line in Austin Powers.

Lady Ice · Jul 4, 2010

air quotes

writeaway · Jul 4, 2010

So are some of you saying simply by putting the words in quotes signifies that the character is making the air quotes gesture?

clockwork · Jul 4, 2010

I'm saying that's what I'd do if it were me (just the quotes). But I wrote it both ways so you can decide for yourself what works best. There's no question about what's happening with the second example but it reads clunky and forced to me. VMMV.

clockwork said:
JOHN
I saw Meg today. She said we were "just friends".

JOHN
I saw Meg today. She said we were
(does air quotes)
"just friends".

writeaway · Jul 5, 2010

That's true. Thank you.

a person quoting someone else and

writeaway

alleycat

Still around

small axe

memento mori

writeaway

clockwork

In the zone...

Verbal

Suspicious of Bunnies

Lady Ice

Makes useful distinctions

writeaway

clockwork

In the zone...

writeaway