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 - SAME
Location 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) - NIGHT
Sub-locations
INT. JOHN'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY
INT. JOHN'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
INT. HOSPITAL - HALLWAY - NIGHT
INT. HOSPITAL - SARAH'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Special 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 - TIMELESS
Forcing Non-Standard Headings
Use . prefix to force any line as scene heading:
.MONTAGE - SARAH'S TRAINING
.FLASHBACK SEQUENCE
.SERIES OF SHOTS
.INTERCUT - PHONE CONVERSATION
Scene 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 MONTAGE
Validation 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
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