Slug line

Definition

A slug line, also known as a scene heading, is a brief line of text in a screenplay that indicates the location and time of day for a particular scene. This helps to establish the setting for the audience and the production team, guiding them on where the action takes place and when it occurs, which is crucial across different types of screenplays, like features, shorts, or TV shows.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Slug lines are typically written in all capital letters to make them easily identifiable within the screenplay.
2. A slug line usually follows a standard format: it begins with INT. or EXT. to denote whether the scene is set indoors or outdoors, followed by the location and then the time of day.
3. For example, a slug line might read: 'INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY' indicating an interior scene in a coffee shop during daylight.
4. In TV scripts, slug lines can vary slightly to accommodate act breaks and different pacing needs compared to feature films.
5. Proper use of slug lines aids in maintaining continuity and flow throughout a screenplay, helping everyone involved in production understand where scenes are taking place.

Review Questions

• How does the proper use of slug lines enhance the readability and clarity of a screenplay?
  • Proper use of slug lines enhances readability by clearly establishing where each scene takes place and when it occurs, allowing readers to visualize the setting without confusion. This is essential not only for writers but also for directors, actors, and crew members who rely on this information to execute their tasks effectively. By maintaining a consistent format, writers help ensure that their scripts are accessible and easy to follow.
• Discuss how the function of slug lines might differ between feature films and television scripts.
  • In feature films, slug lines primarily serve to set up individual scenes in a linear narrative structure. In contrast, television scripts may include additional information within slug lines to indicate act breaks or transitions between scenes more frequently due to their episodic nature. This means that while both formats rely on slug lines for clarity, television scripts often require more dynamic use of these headings to facilitate quick pacing and rapid shifts in setting.
• Evaluate the impact of effective slug lines on character development and storytelling in screenwriting.
  • Effective slug lines have a significant impact on character development and storytelling because they establish not only the physical location but also set the tone for each scene. A well-crafted slug line can foreshadow character interactions or thematic elements that will unfold within that setting. For instance, contrasting settings indicated by different slug lines can enhance conflict or highlight character arcs throughout the script, making them essential tools for deepening narrative layers.

Related terms

Scene Description: A narrative text in a screenplay that details the action and visuals occurring in a specific scene, providing context for what happens during the slug line.

Action Line: Lines that describe what characters are doing in a scene, often following the slug line and offering insight into character movements and plot development.

Dialogue: The spoken words between characters in a screenplay, which usually follows action lines and can reveal character traits and advance the plot.