Screenplay example scene heading lines establish location, time of day, and camera relationship in a compact visual format. Writers rely on precise formatting to communicate shot intention clearly to directors, cinematographers, and editors.
Below is a structured overview of core attributes across different scene types, helping you compare format expectations and production impact at a glance.
| Scene Heading Type | Location Example | Time of Day | Camera/Technique Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXT. | MAIN STREET | DAY | Wide master shot |
| INT. | KITCHEN | NIGHT | Over-the-shoulder setup |
| EXT. | PARK - DAY | DUSK | Drone reveal |
| INT. | OFFICE | CONTINUOUS | Handheld tracking |
| EXT. | ROOFTOP | NIGHT | Two-shot medium frame |
Formatting Rules for Example Scene Heading
Capitalization and Slug Line Structure
Use all caps for location elements and keep slug lines short but specific. Avoid unnecessary descriptors, and maintain consistent spacing around key markers to ensure clarity.
Interior vs Exterior Indicators
INT. signals interior scenes, while EXT. signals exterior environments. Choose the appropriate indicator based on where the action actually takes place in the visual story.
Location Specificity and Geography
Define precise locations such as PARK BENCH or ROOFTOP ENTRANCE rather than vague labels. Specificity helps production teams quickly map logistics and continuity.
Time of Day and Lighting Considerations
Daylight and Golden Hour Choices
DAY scenes rely on natural sunlight, while DAWN, DUSK, and NIGHT call for specific lighting plans. Align time indicators with camera and grip availability on set.
Weather and Environmental Factors
Reference light rain, overcast, or hard sun when relevant, but keep the slug line readable. Environmental notes usually move into action lines rather than the heading itself.
Technical Shot Information
Camera Placement and Movement
Indicate camera distance with WIDE, MEDIUM, or CLOSE, and pair with movement notes for complex sequences. Clear technical hints reduce guesswork during blocking.
Continuity and Transition Details
Use CONTINUOUS when time and location carry directly from the previous scene. For time jumps, specify LATER or INSERT to maintain timeline clarity across acts.
Best Practices for Professional Slug Lines
- Use consistent capitalization and spacing to speed up script scanning
- Match location names exactly across the entire script to aid continuity
- Limit technical jargon in the heading to what is essential for setup
- Coordinate slug lines with production scheduling and location availability
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I combine INT. and EXT. in a single slug line?
No, each slug line should represent one physical location; split interior and exterior beats into separate lines to avoid confusion during scheduling.
How specific should the location name be in a scene heading?
Be specific enough for production design and logistics, such as KITCHEN TABLE ZONE or BRIDGE GANTRY, while avoiding overly long labels.
Is it acceptable to write NIGHT for every evening scene?
Use NIGHT when lighting is dark and moonlight or artificial sources dominate; for scenes at dusk or early night, choose DUSK or specify mixed lighting conditions.
Should I mention lens choice or framing inside the scene heading?
Keep lens and framing notes in action lines or shot design documents; the slug line focuses on location, time, and basic camera context only.