Scene Headings Skill
Invocation Triggers
Apply this skill when:
- Creating new scenes
- Formatting scene headings
- Managing location consistency
- Organizing scene structure
Scene Heading Format
Standard Structure
[INT/EXT]. [LOCATION] - [TIME OF DAY]Interior/Exterior Prefixes
| Prefix | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
INT. | Interior | Indoor scenes |
EXT. | Exterior | Outdoor scenes |
INT./EXT. | Both | Moving between (car scenes) |
INT/EXT | Both | Alternate format |
I/E | Both | Abbreviated format |
EST. | Establishing | Establishing shots |
Time of Day Options
| Time | Usage |
|---|---|
DAY | Standard daylight |
NIGHT | Standard nighttime |
MORNING | Early day, specific |
AFTERNOON | Mid-day, specific |
EVENING | Late day before dark |
DAWN | Sunrise |
DUSK | Sunset |
CONTINUOUS | No time break from previous |
LATER | Same location, time passed |
MOMENTS LATER | Brief time passage |
SAME | Same time as previous scene |
Examples
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - NIGHT
INT./EXT. CAR (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS
INT. SARAH'S APARTMENT - MORNING
EXT. CITY STREET - LATER
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - SAMELocation Best Practices
Naming Conventions
- Use consistent names throughout script
- Be specific: "JOHN'S APARTMENT" not just "APARTMENT"
- Include relevant modifiers in parentheses
Location Modifiers
INT. CAR (MOVING) - DAY
INT. CAR (PARKED) - NIGHT
INT. WAREHOUSE (ABANDONED) - DAY
EXT. HOUSE (ESTABLISHING) - DAY
INT. PLANE (IN FLIGHT) - NIGHTSub-locations
INT. JOHN'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY
INT. JOHN'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
INT. HOSPITAL - HALLWAY - NIGHT
INT. HOSPITAL - SARAH'S ROOM - CONTINUOUSSpecial Scene Headings
Flashbacks/Flash-forwards
INT. CHILDHOOD HOME - DAY (FLASHBACK)
INT. CHILDHOOD HOME - DAY (1985)
EXT. CITY STREET - DAY (TWENTY YEARS EARLIER)
INT. OFFICE - DAY (FLASH-FORWARD)Dream/Fantasy Sequences
INT. SURREAL LANDSCAPE - NIGHT (DREAM)
INT. PALACE - DAY (FANTASY)
INT. SARAH'S MIND - TIMELESSForcing Non-Standard Headings
Use . prefix to force any line as scene heading:
.MONTAGE - SARAH'S TRAINING
.FLASHBACK SEQUENCE
.SERIES OF SHOTS
.INTERCUT - PHONE CONVERSATIONScene Numbers
Format
INT. HOUSE - DAY #1#
INT. HOUSE - NIGHT #2#
INT. GARDEN - DAY #2A#Usage Guidelines
- Spec scripts: Do NOT include scene numbers
- Shooting scripts: Include scene numbers
- Numbers appear at both margins in output
- Use letters for inserted scenes (#2A#, #2B#)
Common Patterns
Continuous Action
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Sarah runs down the corridor.
INT. STAIRWELL - CONTINUOUS
She bursts through the door, taking stairs two at a time.
EXT. PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS
Sarah emerges into bright sunlight.Intercut Scenes
INT. SARAH'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Sarah paces, phone to ear.
INT. JOHN'S OFFICE - SAME
John sits at his desk, phone in hand.
INTERCUT - PHONE CONVERSATION
SARAH
We need to talk.
JOHN
I'm listening.Montage
.MONTAGE - SARAH'S INVESTIGATION
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Sarah pores over old newspapers.
EXT. COURTHOUSE - DAY
Sarah photographs documents.
INT. BAR - NIGHT
Sarah interviews an old man.
.END MONTAGEValidation Checklist
- Prefix is INT., EXT., or valid variant
- Location is specific and consistent
- Time of day is included
- Special scenes are properly forced with.
- Scene numbers only on shooting scripts