If it's a short film, you might be able to get by with just one main scene header and perhaps one or two subheadings.

Other options include using character names, describing actions taking place in the scene, and so on.Īs far as how many sluglines should there be in a screenplay? That depends on how long the script is supposed to be. The most popular method is to use one's imagination to come up with original titles that reflect the essence of the scene or section they divide.

There are several methods for writing sluglines. Subheadings are used to divide up each scene into sections.

Main scene headers are used to divide up the script into scenes. Sometimes actors need to think quickly before a conversation ends so they write some words down.ĭEFINITION OF SLUGLINE Sluglines are lines in a script that break up the duration of a scene while also setting the action's rhythm. Note-taking also gives characters the opportunity to figure out what to say next by reading between the lines of what others are telling them. This shows they are paying attention and not just listening to what others are saying. When he/she returns home later that day or week, he/she reads his/her notes and solves the mystery or comes up with a better way to do something.Ĭharacters in movies, books, and plays often take notes during conversations. This character then goes off and does other things while thinking about his/her problem. There are times when a character needs to remember something but can't speak out loud so he/she writes it down on a piece of paper. Some screenwriters like to begin each scene with a slugline even if it is just a simple sentence such as 'In bed.' This helps the writer keep track of his or her story and not forget what was happening. For example, 'On a cold winter's night,' is a good slugline because it tells the reader these are cold circumstances. ), the location of the scene, and the time of day. They are used to express whether a scenario takes place indoors (INT.) or outside (EXT. For example, in most scenes there will be some form of interaction between the main character and another person.ĭEFINITION OF SLUGLINE The traditional beginning line of a scene in a screenplay is the master scene heading. These elements serve as markers for where important events occur in the narrative and make it easier to follow what happens next. After reading through a few scenes, you will likely begin to recognize common elements between them. The addition of these details makes the scene more realistic and interesting to watch.

These directions might indicate the main character's thoughts or feelings during the scene, such things as 'she wondered what would happen' or 'he felt angry about something'. The use of sluglines as subheadings within scenes helps to divide up the material and provides directions for the audience to follow without disrupting the flow of the narrative. Minor scene headings include scene transitions, which do not lead to another scene but rather back to the previous one dialog tags, which are small sections of dialogue that can be removed from the final film and action indicators, which help the director keep the pace of the story by signaling where certain actions take place. Other major scene headings include the end of one scene and the opening of the next. The traditional beginning line of a scene in a screenplay is the master scene heading. Sluglines are frequently utilized in two ways: as main scene headers and as subheadings. Sluglines are lines in a script that break up the duration of a scene while also setting the action's rhythm.

Script slugline