Hey there!
So, let’s talk about something super exciting. Are you ready? Drum roll pls… it’s how to write a date change in a script. Yup, I know, super thrilling stuff! You might be thinking, “Why would I care?” Well, my friend, if you ever want your script to make sense and not have your characters traveling through time like they’re in a bad sci-fi flick, you gotta learn this.
Think about it like this: if you don’t tell people when it is now, they might think the story takes place in the 1800s. “Wait, why isn’t the main character texting?” So let’s dive into this epic adventure of date changing!
First Step: Know Your Script
So okay you gotta know what kind of script ur working with. Is it a movie? A play? A grocery list? Just kidding on that last one. But seriously, know whether you’re writing for film or theater because the formats can be a bit different!
And u should probably check the tone too. If your script is dark and moody and then suddenly it’s sunny and bright… people will have questions.
Second Step: Be Clear as Mud
When you write a date change, be super clear. Like “it is now Tuesday.” Not “the moon has wandered into the sky on its third Tuesday.” Huh??? What does that even mean? Stick to regular old days.
Yeah so when you write something like “now it’s March 12,” just say those exact words! It’s simple but not too boring either.
Third Step: Time Travel Anyone?
Okay so people love cinema magic right? So u have options here! You can do flashbacks or flash-forwards or whatever cool thing sounds fun! but don’t forget to write down when they are happening.
Like if someone is suddenly back in high school while talking about their dog… wait what grade were they in again?! Help us out here!!
Fourth Step: Different Formats for Different Peeps
If u send your script to someone else or post it online, remember to follow whatever formatting rules they have! Some peeps love fancy fonts and big titles while others are all about plain text.
But just use whatever works so no one gets confused between “Is this still happening?” and “Oh look a cat!”
Fifth Step: Use Scene Headings
This is where ur creativity comes out! You wanna set up scenes with headings that say where and when things happen. Over-the-top is great but keep it real like:
“INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY – MARCH 12”
Now everyone knows it’s coffee time on March 12th!
Sixth Step: Make It Fun
Write dates while having fun!!! Who says writing can’t make u laugh? Surprise people with wild twists like characters finding themselves at an ice cream shop instead of breaking up outside a library (who breaks up at libraries anyway??).
Seventh Step: Get Feedback – Ask Friends!
Show your date changes to friends before finalizing it!! They’ll help catch typos or if the dates are totally bonkers. Or maybe they’ll just have funny reactions like “Wait…what year was that again?”
Keep asking until they go “Ohhh I get it now.” That means u nailed it.
Fun FAQ Section
Question:
What’s wrong with just putting the date at the bottom?
Answer:
Well that’s like putting socks on after shoes—it makes no sense dude! Dates should be upfront so no one trips over time zones later.
Question:
Can I just say “Now!” ?
Answer:
Unless ur writing for aliens who understand context from vibes alone—nope!
Question:
Why can’t I make every scene in different centuries?
Answer:
Because then we’d need a historian on set trying to explain why everyone looks confused while wearing funky clothes!!
Question:
Can every character have their own date style?
Answer:
Sure unless yr going for total chaos. Then we need more coffee!
Question:
How do I know which format to use?
Answer:
Ask around! Or Google it—just don’t ask Siri…she’s sassy sometimes.
Question:
What if everything gets mixed up?
Answer:
Just call it an avant-garde drama and pretend that’s what u intended all along!
Question:
Do I really need dates for everything?
Answer:
Yeah buddy—unless ur aiming for surrealism which makes zero sense but looks fancy at award shows.
And there ya go!! Now you’ve got everything needed to write date changes effectively—or at least somewhat effectively. Remember keep having fun cause writing should never feel boring or lame!
Catch ya later friend!
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