Screenwriting : Correct Formatting help please PART II by Simon Hartwell

I would put two years ago as part of the slugline.

But I'd do "two years ago" in a separate sentence if I want displayed on-screen

Don't write two years ago under every scene. Readers will know. Just write present day when it's the present day.

Here's a way you can write it, Simon Hartwell:

INT. HOUSE - JACK'S BEDROOM - DAY

APPEARS ON SCREEN: Two years ago (or TWO YEARS AGO)

Scene

INT. HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY

APPEARS ON SCREEN: Present Day (or PRESENT DAY)

Scene

ok cool cool. many thanks

You're welcome, Simon Hartwell.

Thanks Simon for asking, I always have doubts ! And thank you Maurice for your insights :)

There is more than one way to do that. If you flashback for several scenes you can write.

BEGIN FLASHBACK SEQUENCE (TWO YEARS EARLIER)

INT. JOE’S RESTAURANT – DAY

Blah, blah, blah…

INT. BILL’S KITCHEN – DAY

Blah, blah, blah…

INT. MARY’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Blah, blah, blah…

END FLASHBACK SEQUENCE

If you want to show the audience it happened two years ago you can superimpose it on the screen.

BEGIN FLASHBACK SEQUENCE

SUPER: TWO YEARS AGO

INT. JOE’S RESTAURANT – DAY

Blah, blah, blah…

INT. BILL’S KITCHEN – DAY

Blah, blah, blah…

INT. MARY’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Blah, blah, blah…

END FLASHBACK SEQUENCE

Ohhh that's good. Version 7 coming up

Hi Simon - I recommend this upcoming Stage 32 webinar hosted by manager Spencer Robinson on writing directions. Here’s a link so you can check it out: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/How-To-Write-Descriptions-In-Your-Scree...

You're welcome, Stephanie Munch.

Hey Simon, I'm not sure what software you're using, but you definitely want to use a professional screenplay writing program. It will help you with auto-formatting sluglines in general. Obviously, it can't do everything but it helps you not have to worry about every formatting bit.

Hi Niki. I'm using Final Draft.

Dan Guardino After END FLASH BACK SEQUENCE is the assumption we are in PRESENT DAY or should I add that?

END FLASHBACK is all I use.

@ERIC SOLLARS Do you start the next ACTION segment after the slug line with PRESENT DAY?

If you write END FLASHBACK there is no need to write Present Day.

I just write END FLASHBACK or END FLASHBACK SEQUENCE. The bottom line is you want the director and anyone else working on the movie to to know what is happening.

Excellent. Thanks everyone. Re-submitted for Industry Review. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Just checked out the GLASS ONION screen play - INT. HALLWAYS - FLASHBACK - NIGHT

Shoot me now.

It's not even consistent: INT. LOUNGE AREA - NIGHT - FLASHBACK

flashback should go after night.

int. jack's bedroom - night (two years ago) is one way.

You could do a Super: Two Years Ago instead of the parenthessi in the location too

I went with BEGIN FLASHBACK SEQUENCE

SUPER: TWO YEARS AGO - Looks good :-)

Do we see "TWO YEARS AGO" on the screen, or does the reader need to be informed that it is two years ago?

Once you write something into a script it should not be repeated unless that information changes.

TWO YEARS AGO should appear on the screen. Hence: SUPER:

Script is formatted and re submitted for industry review. It's my last go around.

Title card: Two Years ago Title card: Present Day

Thanks Dan, Scott, Nathan, Sean. Clearly there's not just a single standard, which is a shame, as this leaves room for Execs to pass if not formatted to their preferred way.

Simon. They wouldn't pass because of that. Most producers and execs could care less about half the stuff screenwriters talk about here.

Dan. That makes more sense then the message I got from more than one source, being Producers have been known to stop reading at the first misspelling or incorrect format.

Simon, Dan is correct. If you have seen half of the pilots that get greenlights, garbage. It's about content versus mandates 95% of the time." Formatting" is just an excuse toward a short and fast no. Otherwise, a producer will have to go into "how the char. dev" sucks, etc, etc,.

JD. I agree. So I'm trying to remove all the excuses to get the meat, tho I probably won't like hearing that either. :-)

I've read many produced scripts in recent years, each with their own distinctive format. It is the quality that matters. In other words, the narrative is the most powerful element. Every screenplay has its flaws, but they should be seen as creative opportunities.

Sometimes something like that in all CAPS would refer to a SUPER. A super would appear on the screen. Is that what you want?

@Eric Yes. Having watched both, flashbacks without and those with, definitely prefer "Friday Night" to appear on the screen as it helps the audience.