What is Slugline: Definition & Examples

The word slugline is among the most common terms bandied about in the world of screenwriting. A slugline might seem like a small detail in scriptwriting, but using it correctly can be the difference between writing like an amateur or a professional. This guide breaks down exactly what a slugline is, and how it fits into a screenplay and looks at slugline examples to help bring clarity to your writing.

What is Slugline ?

A slugline--also called a "scene heading"--is a crucial part of screenwriting; it's how you introduce new scenes in your script. In other words, it's a short heading that lets the reader know where the action is happening, and at what time. Think of it as a GPS for the scene, letting the reader and production team know the setting and time specifics.

Sluglines answer two major questions: Where is this happening? (the location) When is this happening? (the time of day) Let's break this down further in the sections below.

Anatomy of a Slugline Sluglines are simple but particular. They follow a certain format designed to convey essential information within a screenplay. The format revolves around this structure: INT./EXT. – This indicates whether the scene happens indoors (INT. stands for interior) or outside (EXT. stands for exterior). Location – This informs you where the scene occurs. It can be as localized as "JOE'S KITCHEN" or as vague as "CITY STREET." Time of Day – This lets you know the time, and it's generally done in writing as DAY or NIGHT, though sometimes it's more descriptive like "DAWN" or "EVENING."

Sample of a slug line: EXT. PARK - DAY In this example: EXT. indicates it's outside. PARK shows the location. DAY indicates the time of day.

Why Are Sluglines Important? Learning what a slugline is, by definition, also goes hand-in-hand with understanding the purpose of a slugline. Sluglines give a quick snap of the setting in which your scene takes place, thereby giving a 'hang of the action' to the reader. The production team also uses sluglines for planning logistics in filming—where and when to shoot. If a screenplay doesn't have sluglines, then it's going to be very disorganized and confusing not just for the reader but for the crew as well. So with the correct usage of sluglines, your screenplay will be clear and well-ordered.

Diverse Sluglines in Scripts

Sluglines can be written in several ways, and this entirely varies depending on what is required by the scene. These are some examples of the different types you will come across:

1. General Slugline This is the most common of all slugline formats and is usually used to introduce new scenes. Example: INT. OFFICE - NIGHT

2. Slugline Variant Sometimes the action of a scene continues but shifts to a different portion of the same location. To continue to indicate this, a brief slugline, known also as a secondary slugline is used. Example: CONFERENCE ROOM That tells us we are still within the office building but now are in another section of that building.

3. Slugline for Time Jumps Occasionally you will wish to suggest a passage of time in one location. In this case, you can modify the slugline to specify what period has passed. Example: EXT. BEACH - SUNSET This slugline establishes the scene location but also the time of day which goes on to flavour the atmosphere and the feel of the shot.

How to Write a Fantastic Slugline for Your Screenplay

Now that we know what a slugline is all about, it is high time for us to put our attention on how to write one properly. For one, a good slugline should do the following:

1. Be brief A slugline should be brief. Do not write useless information. Instead of "EXT. BEAUTIFUL GREEN PARK WITH FLOWERS AND BENCHES-DAY," you could simply have "EXT. PARK - DAY." The description is provided in the action lines, not here.

2. Use an Action Line to Match the Mood of the Scene A good slugline can set the mood for the scene. If it's a thriller you are writing, your slugline could feature things such as "NIGHT" or an "ABANDONED WAREHOUSE." If you are writing a comedy, it might feature a bright time of day and a festive setting in "DAY" or "BACKYARD BBQ."

3. Depict the Passing of Time Sluglines help clarify the timeline for your reader and your production team. You can pass the time without jumping to an entirely different scene when you use the slugline with "LATER" within it. Example: INT. OFFICE - LATER

Slugline Examples from Famous Screenplays To make things clearer on what a slugline is, here are some examples from great movies. Example from Inception:

INT. CAFE - DAY This slugline creates a well-defined location (inside a café) and time of day (day). Easy, but provides the reader's imagination of where the characters are. Jurassic Park Example:

EXT. T-REX ENCLOSURE - NIGHT This slugline immediately gives a sense of tension. The setting: is T-Rex Enclosure, and the time is night, all these provide clues to the reader that something bad is about to occur.

Slugline Screenplay Tips: Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are some general mistakes writers make when writing sluglines. Understanding them will help you create smoother and more efficient sluglines: To be verbose: do not over-describe the setting in a slug line. That is what your action lines are for. Make it short and snappy. Location changes without slugline: this rule is self-explanatory: each new location requires a slugline. Otherwise, you may just lose your readers. Skip Time of Day: Always indicate whether it is DAY or NIGHT. This is important for planning your scene and readability. Slugline Example and Practice

Now that you know what a slug line is, here is an example to practice: INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT Here we are in a hospital room, and the action is taking place at night. It is all we need to know.

Final Thoughts on What is Slugline Understanding what a slugline is and how to use it is key to good screenwriting. These short lines set the scene for both readers and production teams. Whether it’s a tense night chase or a calm morning in a cozy café, a well-written slugline makes your script clearer and easier to follow.

Just apply these tips to your writing, and you'll soon see your screenplay's structure feels crisp and professional. Practice and don't forget that in the field of film, the slugline is your roadmap!