It's by deny Martin Flinn. Has anyone read it? Do you agree with the mistakes he claim a lot of screenwriters make when writing? One of the things I argued with was when he said, "do not put a characters name in the slug line." Problem with that, in my recent screenplay the main setting is a mansion with several befrooms. If I wanted to be specific wouldn't it be best if I specify whose room we are in such as INT. ELLIE'S BEROOM - NIGHT instead of INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT?
Screenwriting : How Not Write a Screenplay- Good Read. by Nikki April Lee
How Not Write a Screenplay- Good Read.
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Yes, INT. ELLIE'S BEROOM - NIGHT is best in your case.
I have read the book. I agree with his claims. I believe you misunderstood his advice to not put characters names in the slug line.
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There's always an exception to every rule, however, knowing the rules means knowing when bend/break them.
I love this book -- How NOT to Write a Screenplay!! Incredibly helpful! Nikki, I glanced through my copy and found the page that I think confused you -- page 36. The author was describing and showing a much older style of sluglines, which at that time did use character names to set the scene. These days a slugline only needs three things; INT. or EXT.; YOUR SETTING followed by a dash; and a time frame, like DAY, NIGHT, MORNING, LATER. So, no character names in sluglines, unless they are needed to clarify your setting: INT. ELLIE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT is correct; but INT. HOUSE - ELLIE AND SUE - NIGHT is not. Makes sense, right? I hope that helps!
Hey Nikki, If you worry to much about what other people say, you will never become an accomplished screenwriter. Who says he is right? Just write and learn by your own mistakes. Keep Writing.
INT BEDROOM NIGHT.... Ellie sits reading on her bed........The scene tells you where she is. In her bedroom.
Ahhh @Janet that would be another way to do it. I didn't think of that. I figured since sluglines were designed at quick references for crew members to know where and when the story was taking place in that particular scene I thought it would be easier to put a characters name in the slugline. But that works too. Lol
Hiya hon... that is the way I do it myself. I have seen some do it the way you suggested. But, I think for most, the short description scene explains it.
One of the few books I use. It's a good one.
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Great tip Janet! Redundancy makes scripts a boring read.