How to Write + Format Scene Headings in a Script

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Published: October 21, 2025 | Last Updated: November 13, 2025

What a Scene Heading Includes

Scene headings always include three key elements, written in this order:

• INT. or EXT. – Is the scene indoors or outdoors?
• Location – A specific, consistent place name.
• Time of day – Most often DAY or NIGHT, though you can use DUSK, DAWN, or LATER if it fits.

These are always written in ALL CAPS with a hyphen separating each part:

EXT. GAS STATION PARKING LOT – NIGHT

This shows the scene takes place outside, in a specific location, at night. That single line helps every department plan lighting, budget, location needs, and shot order.

INT., EXT., and INT./EXT.

If the camera moves between indoors and outdoors in one continuous shot, you can write the prefix as INT./EXT. or EXT./INT.

INT./EXT. MOVING CAR – DAY

This tells the reader the scene happens both inside and outside the car as it moves, in the same time frame. It avoids breaking it into two scenes unnecessarily.

When to Write a New Scene Heading

You need a new heading every time any of these change:

• You move to a new location (even within the same building).
• You shift between INT. and EXT.
• The time of day changes.

Even moving from the living room to the kitchen counts as a new scene:

INT. KITCHEN – DAY

Secondary Locations

When staying in the same general place but shifting focus, add detail using a secondary location:

INT. POLICE STATION – INTERROGATION ROOM – NIGHT

This clarifies that the interrogation room is part of the police station. Be consistent with your naming across the whole script.

Mini-Slugs and Quick Visual Beats

If you’re staying in the same time and place but want to show a new beat, you can use a mini-slug. These aren’t full scene headings, but just highlight a quick moment or visual shift.

ACROSS THE STREET

RUSTLING IN THE TREES

Use them when the camera changes position or focus, but you don’t need a new master heading.

Special Types of Scene Headings

You can add tags like FLASHBACK, MONTAGE, or DREAM to the end of a scene heading when needed:

EXT. BEACH – DAY – FLASHBACK

These labels help signal shifts in time, tone, or storytelling style. Use them only when needed, don’t overdo it.

Formatting Rules

Scene headings must follow these format rules to meet industry standards:

• All CAPS
• Left aligned (read more on formatting screenplay margins)
• One blank line before and after
• Courier 12pt font

Don’t bold or underline headings. Don’t number scenes unless it’s a shooting script. Most screenwriting programs like WriterDuet, Final Draft, or Celtx handle this automatically. But if you’re going old-school, here’s how to format a script in Google Docs or Word.

Tips for Strong Scene Headings

• Be specific: Instead of “PARK,” use “DOG PARK” or “RIVERSIDE PARK.”
• Don’t describe: Avoid writing “EMPTY ROOM” or “DARK ALLEY.” Save those details for your action lines.
• Avoid dates and clock times: Skip things like “JUNE 1962” or “3:15 P.M.” Stick to DAY or NIGHT unless the story demands more.
• Stay consistent: If you call it “SARA’S APARTMENT” once, keep that exact name every time it shows up again.

Example Scene Heading Block

This block includes a clear scene heading followed by action lines. There’s no need to describe the rooftop in the heading. You do that right after, in the scene body.

Why Scene Headings Matter

Scene headings help with budgeting, lighting setups, location planning, and editing. A messy or unclear heading can waste time on set. A clean heading keeps everyone aligned on what to expect.

Summing Up

Scene headings tell the reader where and when a scene takes place. Use the format: INT. or EXT. + LOCATION + TIME OF DAY. Be specific, not descriptive. Keep formatting clean. Every heading anchors the scene and guides the production team, so write them clearly and get out of the way.