I'm writing a story where the first sequence begins with an action scene. But this is only someone's fantasy that turns into reality. My problem is that the action occurs in a time and place identical to the reality.

How do I format this?

I'd like to avoid a first slugline like

SOMEONE'S VISION (or DREAM)

to keep the surprise. Especially in the very first sequence. Once the trick is established I can turn it that way.

Hope my problem is clear.

Michel 8)

Hey Michel,

I you want to keep it a surprise then I suggest you just write it as if it wasn't a dream/vision - don't mention it in the slug. But be sure that it is apparent at some point that it was a dream/vision, otherwise you could confuse the reader to the point of them putting down the script.

Rob

The clearest example I've seen is in Requiem for a Dream, check out page 6/7 http://www.awesomefilm.com/script/requiem.txt. Just used back to reality as a slugline.

Write it however the audience would see it. If the fact that it's a dream is a surprise reveal later, then reveal it in due time just as you would see it as a film. Just simple slug would get you by here. I doubt you would even need a "BACK TO REALITY" since you won't be establishing it as a dream in slugs. This is a way you can show through the dialogue and action what just happened instead of telling it all in slugs.

I'm gonna make it simpler. The fantasy is during the night and the reality during the day.
The character's clothes won't be the same and his props either.

Just the place will be the same.

So my slugline for the fantasy/dream will be

EXT. SOMEWHERE - NIGHT

and at the point of back to reality I'll change

EXT. SOMEWHERE - DAY

there I'll describe the character as his true personnality

There will be another change later and I'll do the same change in the sluglines.

Does't it look right this way?

Michel 8)

Hi, Michel

If you mind my humble opinion, I would still want to know that we are "changing" to reality, because if not, I may get confused with the characters and/or the story while reading the script.

...Unless, of curse, that is the objective. If you read "Lost Highway" or "Mulholland Drive", it would pretty be as much confusing as the movie, because the idea is to not telling you what is real or not, and when or how things happens, but you to discover it. Confusion is the game in those movies and it also is in the scripts.

In the other hand, I believe I've readed something like that in a script or two:

"...The Zombie opens his jaws and walks towards Jack -- He is only inches away of bitting him!

INT. BEDROOM - DAWN

Jacks opens his eyes. He stands up, sweating. He looks around and realizing he is in his room. -- It was only a dream."

Of course you can be less obvious in the "change to reality", but I wrote the example as a exaggeration. You could just write whatever works the best for the pace and rhythm of your story.

Hope that helps!