The Signal to Act
In the broad context of filmmaking, a cue is any signal that initiates a specific event. It is the trigger for a predetermined action. On set, a director might give an actor a visual cue to start moving, or the assistant director might cue the special effects department to start the rain machine. The entire process of filmmaking is a complex symphony of cues that ensures everything happens at the correct moment.
In screenwriting, the term ‘cue’ has a few specific applications. The most common is the character cue, which is the character’s name above a line of dialogue. More specifically, a writer might insert a technical cue for a sound or music effect directly into the action lines to indicate that it should happen at a precise moment. This is a way of giving a specific instruction to the sound designer and director about the intended auditory experience.
Cues in the Screenplay
While a writer should generally avoid overly technical direction, sometimes a sound or music cue is essential to the storytelling.
Sound Cue Example:
He takes a step into the dark hallway.
SOUND of floorboards creaking overhead
He freezes, listening.
This format, using SOUND followed by a description, is a clear instruction.
Music Cue Example:
She looks at the photo, and a single tear falls.
MUSIC CUE: A sad, lonely piano melody begins.
She closes her eyes.
Using MUSIC CUE is a very direct way for the writer to specify the intended emotional impact of a scene’s score. However, this is used with caution. Most writers will simply describe the emotional tone in the action lines and trust the director and composer to find the right music. A specific cue is usually reserved for moments where the music itself is a key plot point (e.g., a specific song on a radio) or if the writer is also the director.