Screenplay format question

MonaLeigh

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If my opening scene is 19 years ago, does it look like this?

EXT. FORREST CITY, 19 YEARS AGO - AFTERNOON

Then when I switch to 19 years later, do I do it like this?

EXT. BLAH BLAH CITY, 19 YEARS LATER-AFTERNOON

I want the 19 Years Ago/Later to be on the screen.
 
Plot Device

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I'm not 100% sure but I be a-thinking that because you DO want it to appear on the screen, then you should instead designate your time frames within the bodies of two separate "Super's" and then just make both of the sluglines have the oh-so-generic time-designations of "DAY."
 
clockwork

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EXT. FORREST CITY - DAY

Title card: 19 Years Ago

Action, Action.


EXT. BLAH BLAH CITY - DAY

Title card: 19 Years Later

Action, action.
 
Ziljon

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I think what Plat is suggesting would look like this:

EXT. FOREST CITY - DAY

SUPER: 19 years earlier.

and then:

EXT. BLAH BLAH CITY - DAY

SUPER: Present day.

Now, as for the time designation. Unless your going to have a third time, say, 28 years after the second 19, then you should just assume that the second "19 years later" is the present day (as I've done above), even if the movie is set far into the actual future. Does that make sense?
 

Mac H.

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The trick with all script formatting questions is to think of a movie that uses that technique, and then read the script for it.

The scripts for 'Face Off' & 'Outbreak' use 'SUPERIMPOSE: (Message for viewer)' for the effect you are after.

Use google to find the scripts if you are interested in reading them.

Mac
 

NikeeGoddess

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The trick with all script formatting questions is to think of a movie that uses that technique, and then read the script for it.
Click to expand...

this is a statement worth repeating. not only can you get your answer to these simple type questions you force yourself to read more scripts which people who want to write scripts should do anyway.

start here - http://www.imsdb.com/
 
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