How to do Secondary Slug Lines in a Screenplay

The use of scene headers, also known as slug lines, is very important in screenwriting. As it denotes the need for a particular camera setup during production setup. But despite the importance of these very basic headings. Many aspiring screenwriters are at a loss of exactly how to write them. And when to include them in their screenplays. In fact, learning how to do secondary slug lines in a screenplay is something that many aspiring screenwriters will bring up early in their careers. As they’re just navigating basic screenplay and script formatting. 

What is a Secondary Slug Line?

Sluglines are scene headings that are incorporated into a screenplay to orient the reader. And provide important information regarding production setup for the camera crew. The scene header or slug line will typically looks something like:

[INT/EXT]. [LOCATION] – [DAY/NIGHT] 

While you might not realize how much information such a simple line of text can provide for an entire working production crew. You might be surprised!

In fact:

• INT/EXT – tells those loading the grip truck what kind of equipment they should be packing.
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• LOCATION – assists in the creation of a shooting schedule. 
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• DAY/NIGHT – tells the loaders what to pack, similar to the INT/EXT. 

Scenes

Additionally, when the director and the AD work together to formulate the shot list. They’re likely to organize the shooting schedule such that the EXT scenes are filmed together as one group and the INT scenes are filmed together as another group.

A master scene heading identifies the master or preliminary location of a scene. For example, the master scene heading might be INT. HOTEL – DAY, such that “HOTEL” is the primary location.

The secondary slug line represents the secondary location within the hotel such that you might have a secondary scene heading that appears like INT. HOTEL LOBBY – DAY or the screenwriter might just use a single word within the scene LOBBY to denote the secondary location. 

Formatting

Generally, the format INT. HOTEL – LOBBY – DAY or INT. LOBBY – HOTEL – DAY would be the preferred method when looking at how to do secondary slug lines in a screenplay.

Secondary slug lines are also sometimes referred to as a mini-slug. The primary difference between a master slugline and a secondary slug line or mini-slug is that the use of a secondary slug provides an additional element of describing the location of the scene in greater detail.

Especially in a situation where there will be several working camera setups for a particular location, the secondary scene headings can become very helpful. 

For Example

If you’re wondering how to do secondary slug lines in a screenplay that is outlining a police chase in San Francisco.

It might look like – EXT. STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO – DAY as your primary or master slug whereas your secondary slug lines might include any of the following locations AN INTERSECTION, GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, A CABLE CAR, etc.

Once your screenplay scene moved out of San Francisco to another area or neighborhood, you would add a new master heading that would dictate the new location.

Thus, when learning how to do secondary slug lines in a screenplay, make sure that you’re using your master scene heading for the primary scene and the secondary slug lines for any subsequent area within the main master scene before you move to another scene.