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Scene Headings (Slug Lines)
How to write INT./EXT. scene headings that work, with examples and common mistakes.
What a scene heading is
A scene heading (also called a slug line) tells the reader where and when the scene takes place. It's the only thing that starts a new scene.
The format
INT. LOCATION - TIME
EXT. LOCATION - TIME
- INT. for interior, EXT. for exterior.
- The location, in ALL CAPS.
- A hyphen.
- The time of day: DAY, NIGHT, CONTINUOUS, LATER, etc.
Examples
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
EXT. FOREST - DAY
INT. CAR (MOVING) - NIGHT
EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - DAY (LATER)
When to use a new scene heading
Start a new scene heading whenever the location or the time changes. If the camera moves from the kitchen to the living room, that's a new scene heading. If we jump from day to night, new heading.
Common mistakes
- Using a scene heading for a camera move within the same scene. Use a Shot element instead.
- Forgetting the time of day. Every heading needs one.
- Mixing INT./EXT. without a clear reason. If we're inside a car, it's INT. even if the car is moving.
Try it yourself
Open Scene Forges and type INT. to see the heading auto-format. Press Enter and you're in Action, ready to write the scene.
Try it yourself.
Open Scene Forges and practice this directly in the screenplay editor.