Writing a scene heading correctly sets the stage for every shot in your script. These headings, also known as sluglines, tell readers where and when each moment takes place.
Mastering this small formatting detail keeps your story clear, professional, and production ready.
| Type | When to Use | Camera Position | Time of Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| INT. LOCATION - DAY | Interior, continuous time | Main coverage | Morning to early evening |
| EXT. LOCATION - NIGHT | Exterior, after dark | Wide or specific angles | After sunset |
| INT. LOCATION - NIGHT | Interior with controlled lighting | Mixed setups | Evening or dark indoor mood |
| EXT. LOCATION - DUSK | Transition light for atmosphere | Natural framing | Twilight period |
Format Scene Heading Basics
At its core, a scene heading combines three elements in a strict order: interior or exterior, location name, and time of day. Writers often use abbreviations like INT. or EXT., followed by a space, then the setting, a hyphen, and the time indicator.
Keeping this structure consistent helps directors, crews, and readers instantly understand each setup without confusion. A precise slugline also supports scheduling, shot planning, and budgeting.
Be Specific with Location Names
Vague labels like "A Room" or "Somewhere" weaken clarity and force readers to guess. Instead, name the actual room or landmark to anchor the moment.
Specificity also builds trust with production teams, making it easier to scout locations, plan equipment, and lock schedules early in pre-production.
Good vs Vague Location Names
Compare "EXT. GRANDE ARMY HALL - NIGHT" with "EXT. BUILDING - NIGHT". The first tells you exactly where you are, while the second leaves too much open. Precise names reduce back-and-forth questions and help everyone visualize the story faster.
Use Consistent Abbreviations
Stick with standard abbreviations INT. for interior and EXT. for exterior every time. Avoid mixing full words like "Interior" and "Exterior" in the same script, as this breaks rhythm and looks unprofessional.
On a feature, consistent sluglines help line producers create efficient shooting schedules. When formatting tools generate tag lines or shot lists, they rely on this standardized language.
Choose the Right Time of Day
Selecting the correct time tag affects lighting plans, actor availability, and mood. Use DAY for natural sunlight, NIGHT for darkness, DAWN or DUSK for transitional periods, and EVENING when the scene occurs after normal business hours.
Be realistic about what time the location can actually be used, especially for public spaces or shared sets. Accurate time choices prevent costly delays and reshoots during the shoot.
Final Script Formatting Focus
- Always start with INT. or EXT., a space, the location name, a hyphen, and the time of day.
- Choose specific, real locations instead of generic labels.
- Use consistent abbreviations across every page of the script.
- Match the time tag to realistic shooting conditions and lighting needs.
- Create a new slugline whenever the place or camera vantage changes.
FAQ
Reader questions
Should I capitalize every word in the location name?
Capitalize the key words in the location, such as "CENTRAL PARK" or "LOBBY", but avoid shouting by capitalizing every single word. Clear readability matters more than all caps.
Can I use weather like (RAIN) or (SNOW) in a slugline?
Keep weather and other effects outside the heading and add them in action lines. Scene headings define location and time, not atmospheric conditions at that exact moment.
What do I do if the scene shifts rooms but stays in the same building?
Each new room or distinct area should get its own slugline, even if the time of day has not changed. This keeps coverage clear for blocking and camera placement.
Is it okay to abbreviate names like CENTRAL PARK as C PARK?
Use the full, recognizable name of the location to avoid confusion. Production teams may not know local shortcuts, and scripts often move between departments that rely on standard industry reading.