Any time you have dialogue that spells out a word, acronym, or initials, there are a couple of rules to follow.
1) Make sure letters are capitalized.
INCORRECT Usage:
SLACKER
Dude, you know what sucks? I have to get up tomorrow at nine a.m.
CORRECT Usage:
SLACKER
Dude, you know what sucks? I have to get up tomorrow at nine A.M.
2) Make sure letters are separated by either periods (.) or dashes (-).
INCORRECT Usage:
PET OWNER
Get the car keys. It’s time for Mister Barkle’s appointment at the V E T.
CORRECT Usage:
PET OWNER
Get the car keys. It’s time for Mister Barkle’s appointment at the V-E-T.
Sources:
- The Hollywood Standard by Christopher Riley
- The Screenwriter’s Bible by David Trottier
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