I have a very simple question that has to do with secondary scene headings. I know this differs writer to writer, but let’s say you have a character who walks into a closet — how do you label it in the script? Is it:
INT. CLOSET – MOMENTS LATER
INT. HOUSE – CLOSET – MOMENTS LATER
THE CLOSET
What is the best way to go? Thanks in advance.
–Dustin Tash
The Oreogod
Of course, there’s no one best answer that’s appropriate for every situation. In most cases, I would opt for the first format, without the "moments later," which I generally save for a minor time cut. So it would look like:
INT. CLOSET – DAY
This is assuming the character is in the closet long enough for there to really be a scene. That is, a few lines, or at least some dialogue. Anything less, and I might not break out the closet at all, and just let the scene description handle the location:
After searching the room from top to bottom, Jamie steps into the dark closet and begins pulling boxes off the shelves.
When in doubt, use the simplest form that works for the moment.