How to Write Different Times in a Screenplay

When writing a screenplay, it's crucial to indicate the time of day to help readers and audiences understand the context of a scene. This is especially important for films that take place over a short period, such as a single day. In this article, we'll explore how to write different times in a screenplay.

In a screenplay, you can indicate the time by adding it to the heading at the top of the page. For example:

INT. DAY - 9:00 AM

This tells the reader that the scene takes place inside (INT.) on the day of the story (DAY), at 9:00 am.

You can also use this format for night scenes:

EXT. NIGHT - 11:45 PM

The time is written in a 12-hour clock format, with am or pm indicated if necessary. This makes it easy to keep track of the time and location within your story.

When writing a screenplay, you may need to indicate different times throughout the day. For example:

INT. DAY - 12:00 PM

This indicates that the scene takes place at noon.

You can also use supers (short for 'superimpose') to add additional information to the page. Supers are often used in opening credits or to provide important details about a character or setting.

For example, you might write:

SUPER - FOREST - NIGHT

This super tells the reader that the scene takes place at night in a forest. You can use supers to convey important information, such as the date or location of a scene.

In some cases, you may need to indicate a specific date or time period within your story. This is especially important for films that involve time travel or skip ahead in time.

To do this, you can add the date to the heading:

EXT. DAY - MARCH 15, 1995

This indicates that the scene takes place on March 15, 1995.

When writing a screenplay, it's essential to use consistent formatting and clear language to ensure that your reader understands the time and location of each scene. By following these guidelines, you can create a well-organized and easy-to-follow script.

In conclusion, writing different times in a screenplay is an important part of creating a clear and engaging story. By using the correct format and adding supers and dates as needed, you can ensure that your reader has all the information they need to follow along with your story.

Screensleeves write date