• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Screenwriting.io

Screenwriting.io

Answering basic questions about screenwriting.

  • Answers
  • About
  • Ask
  • Index
Search
Generic filters
Exact matches only

How do you indicate voiceover from a different point in time?

There may be an instance in which voiceover from another point in time can be employed over a visual scene or montage. Often, using (V.O.) beside the speaking character name will communicate what is needed, but if it is confusing, you may add what clarifying words you need in the parentheses.

For example:

EXT. BOARDWALK – NIGHT

Under the moonlight, ice cream melts into a pink puddle.

ALLISON (V.O. FROM AFTERNOON)

I love ice cream!

A lonely dog sniffs the melted ice cream. Runs off with the cone.

JOE (V.O. – SAME)

What flavor did you get?

ALLISON (V.O.)

Strawberry!

A fresh sneaker steps in the gooey mess.

ALLISON (V.O.)

Ooops!

The sneakered man shakes his fist at the heavens.

Essentially, do you what you have to do so that it makes sense to the reader. Formatting conventions are there to help with clarity, but if they are getting in its way you can take some liberties.

More from johnaugust.com

  • Scriptnotes, Ep 158: Putting a price on it
  • Scriptnotes, Ep 298: How Characters Move
  • Scriptnotes, Ep 202: Everyman vs. Superman

More from screenwriting.io

  • What does "Off him..." mean in a screenplay?
  • How do I describe a scene when some of the action…

Answer Index

script scriptwriting screenplay screenwriting formatting terms film structure presentation business writing software TV WGA Final Draft length guild characters credits FDX FDR union scene headings dramatic theory outlines adaptations arbitration producers fountain highland pdf managers Celtx guru Movie Magic agents rights pitching awards short film iPad iPhone festival directors musical

Primary Sidebar

Switching from Final Draft to Highland 2

Switching from Final Draft
to Highland 2 – Get the PDF

© 2021 Screenwriting.io — All Rights Reserved.

  • Answers
  • About
  • Ask
  • Index