---

name: scene-headings description: | This skill provides Fountain scene heading formatting rules and conventions. Covers INT/EXT prefixes, location naming, time of day indicators, continuous scenes, and establishing shots.

Use when: creating new scenes, formatting scene headings, managing location consistency, or organizing scene structure in Fountain format.

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

Copy[INT/EXT]. [LOCATION] - [TIME OF DAY]

Interior/Exterior Prefixes

Time of Day Options

Examples

CopyINT. 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

CopyINT. CAR (MOVING) - DAY
INT. CAR (PARKED) - NIGHT
INT. WAREHOUSE (ABANDONED) - DAY
EXT. HOUSE (ESTABLISHING) - DAY
INT. PLANE (IN FLIGHT) - NIGHT

Sub-locations

CopyINT. 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

CopyINT. CHILDHOOD HOME - DAY (FLASHBACK)

INT. CHILDHOOD HOME - DAY (1985)

EXT. CITY STREET - DAY (TWENTY YEARS EARLIER)

INT. OFFICE - DAY (FLASH-FORWARD)

Dream/Fantasy Sequences

CopyINT. 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:

Copy.MONTAGE - SARAH'S TRAINING

.FLASHBACK SEQUENCE

.SERIES OF SHOTS

.INTERCUT - PHONE CONVERSATION

Scene Numbers

Format

CopyINT. 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

CopyINT. 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

CopyINT. 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

Copy.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