Question about sluglines

Randall_Oelerich

Randall_Oelerich

Veteran
If I have the following (below), should KITCHEN, BEDROOM, and HALLWAY be formatted in screenwriting software as scene headings, scene labels, or action? I know of course they are scenes, but since they lack an associated EXT./INT. and time (DAY/NIGHT), I am a little confused on how they should be set in the screenwriting software. I use Movie Magic Screenwriter 6.

(EDIT: By 'how they should be set' I am meaning strategically, not technically speaking)

INT. HOUSE - DAY

KITCHEN
blah blah blah

BEDROOM
blah blah blah

HALLWAY
blah blah blah

EXT. BARN - DAY
blah blah blah
 
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I am not sure about MMS 6.

In FD 7, this type of vertical writing using INTRA-SCENE LOCATION HEADINGS usually falls under ACTION, but SHOT or GENERAL work, too. I just hit ENTER and write the new heading (HALLWAY, BEDROOM, etc.) and it shows up as ACTION.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter too much, but I'd recommend using ACTION formatting because the spacing looks best.

Vertical writing is great. It's very effective with A CHARACTER NAME or ANY OBJECT you want to draw attention to without writing camera directions.
 
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I was thinking ACTION too, but then I was wondering how that might affect production analysis or printouts where software breaks down a script into scenes by location. For a spec script it would not matter, but if one plans to shoot the script indie I wondered how that would work. Either way though, I know it is better to use the shorter intra-scene locations for a faster vertical read so I want to do this way.
 
Randall your dialogue is really starting to sound blah these days; like they say, either you can write or you can't ;)

As for production planning, whoever reads it needs to "read it," and see there will be set-ups within the location without a company move being involved. I wouldn't worry about it because all pros will get it right and many week end warriors just wing it.
 
Mini slugs

Mini slugs

When you are using Mini Slugs in MM, best to make them SHOTS from the pull-down menu. This will help in breakdowns.

- Bill
 
I tend to use each location as it's own scene. Say your characters are at home. The EXT. HOME may be one place, the INT. LIVING ROOM may be in a second house, 6 miles away, and the INT. GARAGE may be a set. But how it is shot later isn't my immediate problem, as much as story. It just helps out later when it comes time to scout locations and do the breakdowns.

But, that's just me, and I will admit I am not formally trained, but I have read the dust cover of at least two Script Writing books.
 
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