MENTAL MODEL · M3061

Slugline

CreateHigh supportWriting

Included

Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

A line of capitalized text in a screenplay that marks the beginning of a scene (e.g., INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY). It includes: interior/exterior (INT/EXT), location, and time. Scaffolding role: rhythm segmentation. In novel writing, borrow the Slugline mindset. When you need to switch scenes, cut clearly, don't use vague transitions like "before you know it, it was evening." Clear spatial-temporal transitions can speed up reading pace.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Rhythm segmentation. In novel writing, borrow the Slugline mindset. When you need to switch scenes, cut clearly, don't use vague transitions like "before you know it, it was evening." Clear spatial-temporal transitions can speed up reading pace.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Slugline uses a line of structured text (interior/exterior, location, time) to mark clear boundaries for scenes, making narrative spatial-temporal switches explicitly marked rather than vaguely transitioned. The mechanism is "using strong boundaries to segment rhythm," allowing readers or viewers to quickly rebuild scene coordinates.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

Every time you switch time or place, write a slugline clearly stating INT/EXT, location, and time
Avoid vague transitions like "before you know it, it was evening"
Use it to control reading or viewing pace
In multi-threaded narratives, use sluglines to separate parallel scenes.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

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Source support: Explicit

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en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slug_lineZH · Explicit
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