You know how in a movie, sometimes at the very beginning you hear the voice before you see the first scene? How does that get written in a script? I start all my scripts with FADE IN: but I want to write it so that the voice occurs before the scene appears. How do I do that? I don't sell my screenplays, I turn them into movies myself. But I still want proper format. Thanks!
Screenwriting : Voice over blackout help by Amanda Murray
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You can use OVER BLACK or something similar. You don't need to use Fade In until there's a visual.
Well, you don't have to use FADE IN -- at all. You can begin your script in any way that you feel works best for your story. As Pierre suggested, you could just start with OVER BLACK, or BLACK SCREEN; follow with your V.O. dialogue; and then go right into your story -- no FADE IN. :)
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I know a lot of people don't use FADE IN anymore but your script really should make sense. Most scripts will open with a slug which is an obvious substitution for FADE IN so if your story is starting with a V.O. over a black screen, then obviously your first slug will denote a Fade In. Your choice if you want to use Fade In or not.
Amanda, perhaps search for script pdfs of films that begin with a black screen and see how others handled it in writing. The film "All Is Lost" starts with; THE SCREEN IS BLACK. The film "Sideways" starts with a studio logo, a black screen and a sound; "Knocking at a door and distant dog barking. UNDER BLACK, a card 'Saturday.'" Personally, I find "FADE IN" redundant and never use it. As Pierre said, your first slug already denotes a "fade in," so no need to include the actual words. Nonetheless, the use of "FADE IN" is definitely a writer's choice. :)
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Thank you all for your help! I really appreciate it!
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Amanda, great advice from two great minds here at S32, so all I can tell you is, I second and third what Beth and Pierre said.