This is ok right? I don't need a new scene heading if no change, even though it's the next day. I originally wasn't using LATER.
...then CRASHES out on the couch falling calmly to sleep.
LATER
Nik wakes up the next morning in the same position, a slight smile on his face.
Thanks.
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Convention says to use a full scene heading when there is a change in place or time. That way Production knows if there is a location move or at the very least a change in lighting. And believe me, the DP will want to change the lighting.
Appreciate the advice Stanley Ray , thanks.
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Personally, I'd use this subheader:
LATER - DAY
There are conventions, but not any rules. I try to minimize slug lines just to make it easier for the reader to read vertically down the page.
Looks neater Eric Christopherson , kind of a compromise on not repeating the full scene heading.
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...then CRASHES out on the couch falling calmly to sleep.
[THE NEXT] MORNING
Nik awakens in the same position -- a slight smile on his face..
...then CRASHES out on the couch falling calmly to sleep.
NIK
awakens. Morning sun streams in the room.
He's in the same position with slight smile on his face.
Another great looking one E Langley , :) how to choose. I guess it's just about communicating in an obvious way. I like all these.
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Clarity is all that's needed.
There are many ways to spin this.
I did mention the sun next:
He enjoys the sun GLARING through the window for a moment before...
:)
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if you are jumping in time so long that it goes from night to day, or morning, then you should use a new scene heading. if youre just jumping a couple hours, and at the same location, then just LATER would work.
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Thanks Danny Manus , I do prefer LATER.
It's DAY to DAY, not wanting to use MORNING. Was just unsure of repeating a scene heading. I'm going with: NEXT MORNING, adapting E Langley 's advice.
All you guys on here seriously know your stuff,. And I love that we can adapt our screenwriting format to our writing style.
Dan Guardino, like @Eric's suggestion: LATER - DAY ?
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If LATER is added as a Scene Heading instead of an Action, and a Location Report is run (in FD), it will be listed as a location. There's one location. A room in a home where the couch rests.
The OP regards the passage of time in this one location to show the character falling asleep and waking in the morning with a smile.
It's moot. A purchased Spec will have to be put in proper Shooting Script format for pre-production anyway. As Gen noted, in a Spec tell a great story. Formatting considerations are secondary as long as they're understood.
Thanks E Langley, definitely feel better.
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NP. Good luck.
Dan - I don't think LATER is a scene header if there is no camera relocation; it's just a shot heading (to my pov).