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Question on going back in time

Posted: Jul 16, 2014 7:56 am
by JAVON1616
Mr. Chris Huntley,
Good morning/Afternoon. In my screenplay, I'm kinda using the lifetime TV style of writing, if I can call it that; where, I start with a scene near the end, and then turn back the clock where it all begin. My question is: How do I format, or write it in the script; going back in time; such as, 28 years earlier?

Thank you,
JAVON1616
7/16/14

Re: Question on going back in time

Posted: Jul 17, 2014 8:24 am
by Chris Huntley
Similar to going forward. You can put it in the Scene Heading and let the filmmakers figure out how to convey it to the audience, e.g.:

EXT. HOUSE - DAY - 28 YEARS EARLIER

Or put up a title card that indicates the same thing.

The title card is more explicit and won't be missed but is also more overt and you might want to leave it up to the director. The other consideration is that a title card uses more space. If your script is running short, use the title card to space it out. If your script is running long, put the transition of time in the scene heading.

Re: Question on going back in time

Posted: Jul 17, 2014 5:35 pm
by JAVON1616
Mr. Chris Huntley, again thank you so very much. I had it all wrong.
Have a great weekend,
Javon