Prelap is a
screenwriting
Screenwriting or scriptwriting is the art and craft of writing scripts for mass media such as feature films, television productions or video games. It is often a freelance profession.
Screenwriters are responsible for researching the story, de ...
term that means the
dialogue from the next
scene
Scene (from Greek σκηνή ''skēnḗ'') may refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media Music
* Scene (subculture), a youth subculture from the early 2000s characterized by a distinct music and style. Groups and performers
* The Scene who reco ...
precedes the
cut
Cut may refer to:
Common uses
* The act of cutting, the separation of an object into two through acutely-directed force
** A type of wound
** Cut (archaeology), a hole dug in the past
** Cut (clothing), the style or shape of a garment
** Cut (ea ...
, and the beginning of the dialogue is heard in the outgoing scene. As an example:
ADRIAN (V.O., PRELAP)
Peter? Peter, where are you?
EXT. THE WOODS – DAY
Adrian is out looking for Peter.
We see him wander around in the small forest.
ADRIAN
Peter? Hello? Are you there?
In this example, Adrian's voice precedes the scene out in the woods. The "V.O." means "
Voice Over
Voice-over (also known as off-camera or off-stage commentary) is a production technique where a voice—that is not part of the narrative (non- diegetic)—is used in a radio, television production, filmmaking, theatre, or other presentations. ...
" and the "PRELAP" indicates that Adrian's dialogue should be heard before the next scene begins. Adrian, in this example, might not even be in the scene the other characters are in when the prelap occurs. ("O.S." or "Off Screen" would not be appropriate as the term should only be used for characters unseen but on set.)
''Prelaps'' can be of sound or dialogue, or anything non-visual, since a visual would indicate a direct cut to a new scene.
Film and video terminology
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