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  • Screenplay Prep

Everything You Need To Know About Screenplay Scene Headings

Scene Headings are signposts for our journey through the story. Essentially, they are like a navigation system.


The staple diet of a screenplay, the Scene Heading is a crucial element to point out where we are and when we are. The typical Scene Heading is made up of three components.

A simple screenplay scene heading
Screenplay Scene Heading

Writing script scene headings is so often done incorrectly and it need not be so difficult. Getting your screenplay Scene Heading formatted properly is covered in this video, whether it be the nuances of DAY or NIGHT or the confusion of INT. EXT.


What do you think do about sunrise and sunset scenes? Watch here and find out.



In this video, I cover the three main components of the screenplay Scene Heading, as well as some of the lesser used extras as fourth components. These are screenplay flashbacks or traveling shots, like you would use to denote being in a moving car or any vehicle.


Many of the conventions here cover the use of screenplay dream sequences as well as the intricacies of how best to setup for a sunrise Scene Heading or even sunset Scene Heading.


As explained in this video, note that screenplay slug lines are not the same. A slug line is not a scene location description but a "call to attention."


Ultimately, this video provides you with clarity and consistency, which should be your main aim in screenwriting. Remember that you are not writing a document for yourself and in a way which makes your life easier. You are writing for the script reader first and foremost, and with a film director, producer, and crew in mind.


Let's ensure your screenplay has the best chance of success by presenting a flowing story which doesn't read like a set of instructions.

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