Slug line

Definition

A slug line is a crucial element in a screenplay that indicates the scene's location and time. Typically formatted in all caps, it helps establish the setting for the audience and guides the production team during filming. Slug lines are foundational for structuring a screenplay and play a vital role in dialogue formatting, rewriting, and proofreading.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Slug lines should include the general location and time of day, such as 'EXT. PARK - DAY', with 'EXT.' indicating exterior and 'DAY' specifying the time.
2. In addition to guiding the cast and crew, slug lines help writers maintain clarity in their scripts by consistently marking scene changes.
3. Properly formatted slug lines help ensure that scripts adhere to industry standards, making them more professional and easier for others to read.
4. Slug lines can also indicate specific details like interior vs. exterior settings, day or night, which are important for visual storytelling.
5. When revising a script, clear slug lines allow for quick identification of locations that might need adjustment or enhancement in terms of dialogue or action.

Review Questions

• How do slug lines enhance the clarity and flow of a screenplay?
  • Slug lines enhance clarity by providing essential information about each scene's location and time, making it easier for readers to visualize the story. They serve as navigational tools that guide not just the audience but also the production team. By clearly marking transitions between scenes, they help maintain a coherent flow throughout the screenplay.
• Discuss how effective rewriting can improve slug lines and their impact on a screenplay.
  • Effective rewriting can refine slug lines by making them more concise or descriptive, thus improving their impact on a screenplay. By revisiting slug lines during the editing process, writers can ensure that they convey necessary details without redundancy. This precision can enhance the visual storytelling aspect of the script while aligning with characters' arcs or themes presented in dialogue.
• Evaluate the role of proofreading in ensuring that slug lines maintain professional formatting standards in screenplays.
  • Proofreading plays a vital role in maintaining professional formatting standards for slug lines, ensuring they are consistently written in all caps and follow established guidelines. This attention to detail can prevent confusion during production and aid readers in quickly grasping scene changes. An unprofessional format could detract from the overall quality of the screenplay and make it less appealing to producers or agents.

Related terms

Scene Heading: Another term for slug line, scene headings describe where and when a scene takes place, providing context for the reader and production team.

Action Line: The part of a screenplay where descriptions of the scene's action occur, typically following the slug line to illustrate what happens in that setting.

Transition: Indicates how one scene moves to the next, providing cues like 'CUT TO' or 'FADE OUT', which can accompany slug lines to clarify scene changes.