slugline

A slugline is a concise, informative heading used primarily in screenwriting, film production, and writing to identify a specific scene or location. It provides essential details about a scene's setting, time of day, and sometimes additional context, serving as a guide for production teams and actors. The purpose of a slugline is to efficiently communicate key information about where and when a scene takes place, facilitating organization and continuity throughout the production process.

In screenwriting, a typical slugline begins with the words "INT." or "EXT." to indicate interior or exterior locations, followed by the specific location name, and then the time of day, such as "DAY" or "NIGHT." For example, "EXT. CITY PARK - DAY" signals an outdoor scene in a city park during daylight hours. Sometimes, additional details like weather conditions or specific scene notes are included to clarify the setting.

The use of sluglines helps streamline production scheduling, camera work, and set design. They are also valuable during editing and review, providing clear markers for scene transitions. Although primarily associated with film and television scripts, similar heading conventions are used in other media, such as theater scripts and radio dramas.

Overall, the slugline is a fundamental element in scriptwriting and production planning, ensuring that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the scene's setting and context while maintaining efficient workflow. Its standardized format allows for quick reference and coordination across various stages of a project.