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How to Format a Dream in Screenplay

The format of a screenplay is fairly rigid, and includes slug lines to designate location, action lines to describe what happens on screen, and of course, character dialogue; however, occasions arise for which there is no standard format, such as the use of flashbacks and dream sequences. There are several ways to format a dream sequence so that a reader knows it is not part of the normal action of the script. Outlined below are three options for dream-sequence treatments.

Instructions

    • 1

      Type the word "DREAM" or "DREAM SEQUENCE" at the end of your slug line. For example: INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT - DREAM SEQUENCE. Write the action below this slug line. When the dream sequence is finished, type "END DREAM" or "END DREAM SEQUENCE." Begin a new slug line and type "PRESENT" or "PRESENT DAY" to indicate the scene has shifted back to normal.

    • 2

      Type the words "BEGIN DREAM" or "BEGIN DREAM SEQUENCE" as an action line in uppercase letters. Directly under this heading type a slug line to indicate a location, or just write the dream sequence without a slug line. When the dream narrative is finished, write, "END DREAM" or "END DREAM SEQUENCE" in uppercase. Begin a new slug line to shift back to a normal scene. For example:

      BEGIN DREAM SEQUENCE

      INT. HOUSE - NIGHT

      A strange noise startles John awake.

      END DREAM SEQUENCE

      A second example:

      BEGIN DREAM SEQUENCE

      John sleeps in a dark room.

      A strange noise startles him awake.

      END DREAM SEQUENCE

    • 3

      Type the word "DREAM" in your slug line, followed by the location and time. Under this slug line, write the dream sequence. When the dream is finished, type a new slug line with the words "PRESENT DAY" or "PRESENT" at the beginning of the slug line. For example:

      DREAM - AMUSEMENT PARK - NIGHT

      John runs, pursued by three shadows.

      He falls, and before he can rise, the things attack.

      PRESENT - OFFICE - DAY

      John bolts awake, glances around, realizes he was dreaming.

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