Screenwriting : Slugline by Rutger Oosterhoff

Rutger Oosterhoff

Slugline

If it is already described that a character is in a gym and is going to a PUNCHING BAG. Can I use

"INT. PUNCHING BAG - (DAY)" ?

Or does this (still) say that I'm inside a punching bag?

Otherwise I feel forced to use a mini slug

PUNCHING BACK

Blablabla

Rutger Oosterhoff

No, there isn't an "inside the punching back moment," Matthew, you see people standing around it and a few hitting it.

Pat Savage

Rutger Oosterhoff Sure it's the centre piece and location of the scene.

Rutger Oosterhoff

Pat, so you say "INT. PUNCHING BAG - (DAY)" could work?

Rutger Oosterhoff

Sorry guys, like :

"INT. GYMNASIUM - PUNCHING BAG - (DAY)"

would work,?

Rutger Oosterhoff

Ok, thanks guy,s!! got my options.

Scott C. Brown

If I'm understanding what you're referring to correctly, it would be along these lines:

INT. GYM - DAY

The HEAVY BAG sways with each hammering blow, as JIM works his anger out. Rhythmic thumping can be heard picking up speed, as he turns to see GUSTAVO starting at the SPEED BAG.

From this point you can reference other people in the gym and their location as you interlace the dialogue, without having to reference where they are located in the slug.

You can add additional action as they move about the room, out to give additional details in what they're doing.

Hope this helps.

Kevin Enners

Hard rhythmic blows pound the HEAVY BAG swinging from a chain.

Rutger Oosterhoff

Yes, this of course works like you and Matthew point out.. But not sure in my case :

INT. GYMNASIUM - DAY

Megan and Kathryn scan around at the activities: men and women running the treadmill, muscle heads lifting weights, yoga sessions straininglimbs.

Blablabla

KATHRYN

We’ll figure it out later. What time is it?

Megan sees Howard being taunted by a crew of three jocks next to a punching bag. He has his gym gear on, scrawny, no muscle.

MEGAN

Time for an opportunity.

KATHRYN

You need backup?

MEGAN

I got this.

INT. GYMNASIUM - PUNCHING BAG - DAY

Their leader, JOCK #1, approaches Howard.

JOCK #1

Come on dork, hit me!

His cronies chuckle. Howard swallows the lump in his throat, knees quivering.

Blabbabka

and we cut to (not part of screenplay)

INT.. MEN’S SHOWER STALLS - SAME

Kathryn slips past the yellow tape and sneaks around the stalls, analyzes the tragedy.

Blablabla

and back.to (not part of screenplay,(

INT. GYMNASIUM - PUNCHING BAG - DAY

Jock #1 has a bloody nose, gasps even lighter.

JOCK #2

We’re sorry! Stop!

Megan sticks her thumb in jock #1's face.

MEGAN

At this point I can put my thumb wherever I want on your friend.

The jocks gag on their response.

Jack Binder

As @scott says.

Anthony Moore

Try this:

INT. GYM - TRAINING AREA - DAY

Facing the faded and patched punching bag, Jim weakly throws his oversized gloves against the immovable object that defeats his lackluster assault.

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