Format for "timeframes"

Yeah I'd probably include this in the scene heading -- that's assuming you aren't already showing the same info via:

SUPER: 500 B.C.

or

TITLE: 500 B.C.

-Derek
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CMS said:

I'm currently working on a screenplay in which part of the story takes place in the distant past and part (most) takes place in current time.

Do I place the time reference - i.e., 500 BC - in the "EXT:/INT:" heading? Or, is there a specific place in the script where this information should be noted?

It's a TV screenplay, btw. Although, the scripts for TV series' I've found appear to be in "Film" format. :shrug: Even so, I haven't found any that have this type of reference in them. My daughter says "Psyche" would have it, but I doubt those scripts are available online, since it's a new show.

Thanks, in advance, for any help.

-Goldrush
*******

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Paterso has shown you the two most common methods of indicating time frame, SUPER and TITLE, which are equivalent. They tell production people to spot the information on the screen over the scene, something we've all seen. If you choose this method, be sure to center the text you wish to be supered (superimposed) enclose it in quotes, and use uppercase.

SUPER:




Then again, the visuals will likely convey the idea that we are opening on a time in the distant past, some village scene or whatever landscape your opening scene entails ... and if it isn't critical to the story that we know it's exactly 500 BC, there may be no need to mention it.

SUPER:


You could also include the information in your scene caption,

EXT DESERT (MIDDLE EAST - 500 BC)

and this would fly, although perhaps not quite as high because now you've left the decision of how to convey the info to the audience up to the director. Surerly not untenable, but weaker in the eyes of some.