Hello. First let me say, I'm happy to do a similar favor if anyone needs it. I also don't want to ask, until I ask if it's okay to ask.

I just finished a screenplay (romcom) with three British characters. It is very intimidatig to me to try and write dialogue that would sound authentically British to  - well - you guys. I know British writers create American characters all the time, but usually there is some simple thing that, no matter how great the actor's accent is, gives them away. "Apartment block" for example. So simple. We'd never say that.

I was hoping if I pull out the three characters' dialogue, if anyone here would look at it and just tell me what's laughably wrong and maybe suggest better phraseology.  I can't say I know where the three voices come from.  You guys are writers, you know how sometimes you just hear them in your head. 

If it's okay to do this here - and people would say if they'd be willing and the best way to post - a link to a PDF on Google docs? - I'd be grateful.

I've been a cop in America and lived a lot of places.  If anyone has anything I can be useful for - please don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks - Keats

 

Hi Keats, I can probaby help with this.  If you WW mail me, I can send you my email.  :)

Thanks so much!

I don't mind having a look. I write for the Korean educational market and they always want Americanisms (e.g flashlight instead of torch, sidewalk instead of pavement) so I know it can be a bother.

P.S love your profile pic - I watched 'Close Encounters' with my kids the other night and they thought it was a bit dull. I still think it's amazing
 

I've been there. It's far more amazing in person than the movie. One of those places that makes you think of the word :"sacred."

What's more confusing is sometimes we do use "pavement."  But all bonnets go on heads and we don't post we mail. Would appreciate a look. FunnyValentine kindly read it for me, but I'd appreciate another run-through.  And I'm always happy to be of service if anyone reads for me or not.  Plenty of people online have been so generous with their time for me.

I made a file with the British characters dialogue pulled out and brief explanations.  I'll copy-paste it in your mailbox, if that's okay. Any thoughts you have are welcome, of course.

Edited by janifar47 at 08:30:00 on 06 April 2016

Hi Keats
This is of no help whatsoever but your post reminded me of this piece that I wrote several years ago!

Ordering a Round of Drinks
in a South London Pub
Edited by Mickey at 20:56:00 on 23 September 2016