Setting up a date

[Mr Disk]

I have a quick question for everyone and I can't seem to find the answer.
What is the proper way to denote a specific year?
Do I post it in my slugline? Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

[clockwork]

Hi there. Welcome. :hi:

Depends.

If you're script is entirely set in a certain period, World War Two, for example, you could always just open up your first line with the year...

EXT. DUNKIRK - DAY

1940. Troops mass on the beaches...

If you want that information displayed on screen, try...

EXT. DUNKIRK - DAY

Troops mass on the beaches...

Super: Dunkirk, 1940.

Some people say 'super' some people say 'title card' whatever you think works best.

If you're cutting back and forth between times, like the opening of Saving Private Ryan for example, put it in your general description like in the first example to keep things clear. That's the most important thing - clarity. For that reason, I wouldn't put it in your scene headings because it'll just get cluttered.

Hope that makes sense - it really depends on how you're planning to use it.

[Mr Disk]

That makes perfect sense and answers my questions perfectly.
I agree that clarity is king. I have read far too many scripts that require a page to be read multiple times trying to figure out what is going on.
Thanks for the quick reply!

[clockwork]

No probs. Yeah, some scripts are like Wehrmacht Enigma machines.

Your best bet really is to go find scripts that are set in similar times to yours and see how the writer got that information across.