Script Studio

Description / Transition / Insert Shot

4 min read

Beyond dialogue, scripts have 3 other important elements: description (action), transition, insert shot.

Slima Script Studio Plan view as a visual reference; all three are edited in Write view

Description (Action)

The i18n uses "Description" uniformly — the same concept as "Action" in other script tools. When writing Slima scripts, just say "Description".

Use

  • What happens in the scene — characters' actions, expressions, postures
  • Environmental change — lighting, sound, object motion
  • Don't write characters' internal thoughts (the audience can't see them; show through dialogue or action)

Example

J. Doe stands by the window, watching the fog over the sea.

The fog rolls slowly inward, almost swallowing the lighthouse beam.

He gently closes the window.

Layout

Left-aligned, normal font (no caps, no indent).

Transition

A marker between two scenes. Common types:

Transition Use
CUT TO Default transition (implied if not written)
FADE OUT Scene fades to black
FADE IN Scene fades up from black
DISSOLVE TO Two scenes visually overlap
SMASH CUT Sharply contrasting cut
MATCH CUT Match by action or visual

How to write

  • Type FADE OUT or CUT TO at the end of a scene → Slima auto-classifies as Transition
  • Toolbar "Insert Transition" button
  • All caps + right-aligned (Hollywood) / left-aligned (TW)

Press Enter after a transition

Slima auto-creates a new Scene Heading (previous scene ends, new one starts) — see Smart Enter.

Insert Shot

A specific shot without being a full scene — for example:

SCENE 7 / INT. LIGHTHOUSE COTTAGE / NIGHT

J. Doe flips through a stack of old photos on the table.

INSERT - PHOTO OF FATHER
Close-up: a black-and-white photo of J. Doe's father, young, standing in front of the lighthouse.

He sets the photo down and takes a deep breath.

Use

  • Emphasise a visual element (photo, letter, prop)
  • No need to write as a full scene (preserves scene continuity)
  • Give director an explicit shot direction

Layout

Usually left-aligned + INSERT - prefix + all caps.

vs Description

  • Description: action / environment within the scene
  • Insert Shot: cut to show a specific object / detail

Related

Was this helpful?