

This slug line must state the character by name and refer to what the character sees. Screenplay format is top of the pile when work experience kids read. When a shot originates from a particular character’s point-of-view, it’s customary to break it out with its own slug line. He is an award-winning teacher and script consultant, author of The Screenwriter’s Bible, and friendly host of. In this particular instance, it would also be acceptable to break the sequence into separate scenes, using “BLEACHERS” in the scene heading. DAVE TROTTIER has sold or optioned ten screenplays (three produced) and helped hundreds of writers break into the writing business. Actions, shots, and slug-lines are 1.5 - 7.5. When it comes to screenplay format, clarity is king remember, a script is. CHARACTER (This sometimes is referred to as a wryly) Transitions are 5.5 to 7.13. Screenplays make use of seven specialized line types that are each used for different purposes and are formatted differently. A screenplay is comprised of a number of different scenes, and every scene starts with a scene heading, also known as a slug line. This step is a little more complex but also the most important for achieving an accurately formatted screenplay using Microsoft Word.
#SLUGLINE SCREENPLAY FORMAT HOW TO#
If we wish to cut to a character named Ned in the bleachers of a football game, for example, we’d insert “NED” (without the quotes) as a shot element or slug line. Sluglines (also known as scene headings) tell the reader where the action is. How to Format a Screenplay in Word Step 2: Create styles for each line type. You have to right-click and press the scene heading option or use command and 1 on your keyboard. Remember Arc Studio will format this for you correctly and automatically. While scene headings usually have two blank lines above them, slug lines always have just one. A slugline - also known as a scene heading - is written at the top of every scene.

Action or description cannot appear next to it on the same line, but must follow the slug line in a new paragraph. This actually reads better than writing it as a camera direction, such as “ANGLE ON PARKER.”Įach slug line is its own element.
