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NIGHT: Meaning & Definition in Film

"NIGHT" is the standard time designator in a screenplay's slugline, indicating that a scene takes place after sundown.

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The Time of the Scene: Darkness

NIGHT is the second of the two primary time-of-day designators used in a screenplay’s slugline, serving as the direct counterpart to DAY. It is the third and final piece of information in the scene heading, and its function is to inform the cast and crew that the scene takes place in darkness. This simple word has significant logistical and creative implications for a film production.

Creatively, a NIGHT setting can be used to establish a wide range of moods—from romantic and magical to mysterious, dangerous, and terrifying. The absence of natural light gives the cinematographer immense control to shape the scene with artificial lighting, creating deep shadows and dramatic highlights. Logistically, scenes designated as NIGHT often require ‘night shoots,’ where the cast and crew work overnight. This can be strenuous and often requires a pay differential for the crew. For exterior night scenes, the production must supply all the necessary illumination, which can involve massive and expensive lighting rigs.

Examples in Context

  • INT. JAZZ CLUB - NIGHT This heading tells the production designer and cinematographer to create the moody, atmospheric, and artificially lit environment of a club after dark.

  • EXT. ALLEYWAY - NIGHT A classic setting for a thriller or film noir. This slugline implies a scene that will be dark, shadowy, and potentially dangerous, requiring specific and dramatic lighting choices to be visible on camera.

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