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Slug Line Basics

This document provides guidelines for writing slug lines, which are scene headings used to indicate changes in time or location in a screenplay. There are three types of slug lines: master scenes, secondary scenes, and special headings. Master scenes follow the format of INT./EXT. for camera location, a brief scene location, and time of day. Secondary scenes can be written within a master slug or as a mini-slug if the scene is continuous. Special headings include montages, flashbacks/dreams, and inserts/cutaways. The guidelines recommend keeping slug lines concise while clearly indicating location and time changes between scenes.

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cecunn
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68 views

Slug Line Basics

This document provides guidelines for writing slug lines, which are scene headings used to indicate changes in time or location in a screenplay. There are three types of slug lines: master scenes, secondary scenes, and special headings. Master scenes follow the format of INT./EXT. for camera location, a brief scene location, and time of day. Secondary scenes can be written within a master slug or as a mini-slug if the scene is continuous. Special headings include montages, flashbacks/dreams, and inserts/cutaways. The guidelines recommend keeping slug lines concise while clearly indicating location and time changes between scenes.

Uploaded by

cecunn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Slug Line Basics

Are the scene headers used to show a change in time or location


Always in ALL CAPS
XXX. XXXXXXXX- XXX (1st element, Dot, Space, 2nd element, Dash, Space, 3rd element)
Three types:
Master scene
Secondary scene
Special heading

Master Scene Slugs


3 parts (K.I.S.S. This is not the place to be too creative)
Camera location inside or outdoors
Scene location- actual place of the filming
Time of day mostly for lighting purposes

Camera Location
EXT. = exterior
INT. = interior
Use only these.

Scene Location
Few words describing the place

Use INT./EXT. for scenes


that move back and fourth
from inside to outside .

From left to right goes from general to


more specific.

Example- people in a car


interacting with people
outside the car

Less is more, use only words that are


needed.

You dont need Bobs House if you are


already in his house or know whose
house it is.
Example INT. KITCHEN- DAY

Time of Day
Day or Night mainly
Avoid Dawn, Dusk, 3 O'clock, Gloaming, etc.
Instead, use the description section to
explain details.
Occasionally, youll use Continuous, Later,
a year (for a Flashback)

Example- INT. LIVING ROOM- CONTINUOUS


(indicates no time lapse between scenes)

Secondary Scene Slugs

3 ways to do it
Within the master slug
As a mini-slug (only if continuous)
As a camera direction for action (use sparingly)
Example- change in location no change in time

Option 1:

Option 2:

Option 3:

drives behind the couch .

Special Scene Slugs

3 types
Montage or series of shots
Flashbacks and dreams
Insert or cutaway
Montage:
A series of shots that are based on one concept or express a theme, such as a passage of time or
stream of consciousness.

MONTAGE BOB AND SUE FALL IN LOVE


-- They cook dinner.
-- They stroll on the beach.
-- The bicycle through a park.
Flashback or dream:
Dramatic change in time or reality that is temporary. Must bring us back to now.

FLASHBACK TRAIN ACCIDENT


Bob sees the train coming and jumps on the tracks. He laughs- playing chicken with the
train. Train approaches, Bob tries to get up but foot is wedged between a rail ties.
BACK TO PRESENT DAY
EXT. TRAIN TRACKS- NIGHT- FLASHBACK
INT. KITCHEN- DAY PRESENT DAY

Insert or cutaway:
To bring something into full frame for awhile or split the screen or easy back and fourth.
INT. KITCHEN- DAY
Bob shifts through the mail. Curiously opening a pink envelope.
INSERT- THE LETTER, which reads:
Dearest Bob,
Youre a sucker for wanting her over me. Youll be sorry you left me.
Shell eat you alive- literally!
PS: That slut is really a Zombie.
Sincerely, Jane
BACK TO THE KITCHEN

EXT. CITY STREET- DAY


Jane runs in the rain, looking depressed. She dials her phone.
INT. BOBS HOUSE- KITCHEN- DAY
Bob answers vibrating phone.

INTERCUT- TELEPHONE CONVERSATION


JANE
Youre a sucker for wanting her over me. Youll be sorry you left me.
Shell eat you alive- literally! By the way, that slut is a Zombie.
BOB
Oh and youre not?
Jane
A slut or a Zombie?

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