Taking the Story Outside
EXT. is the counterpart to INT. in the standardized formatting of a screenplay’s slugline (or scene heading). It is the abbreviation for ‘Exterior’ and is used to signify that the action of the scene is taking place outdoors. This single piece of information immediately tells the production team that they will be filming in an environment that is exposed to the elements and outside of the controlled conditions of a soundstage.
Filming exterior scenes presents a unique and often complex set of logistical challenges. The production is dependent on the weather and the position of the sun, which affects lighting continuity. The ‘golden hour’—the brief period around sunrise and sunset—is highly coveted for its beautiful light but provides a very short window for filming. The sound department must contend with unpredictable ambient noise, such as wind, traffic, airplanes, or birds. Because of these variables, exterior scenes are often more expensive and difficult to schedule than interior ones.
The Components of an Exterior Slugline
Like its interior counterpart, EXT. is the first of three parts in a standard scene heading.
Examples:
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EXT. NEW YORK STREET - DAYThis tells the production team they will need to shoot on a real city street. This may involve securing permits, controlling traffic, and managing crowds of onlookers. Alternatively, they might build a section of a New York street on a studio backlot for more control. -
EXT. FOREST - NIGHTThis indicates a ‘night shoot’ in an outdoor, natural environment. This is one of the more challenging scenarios, as it requires the lighting department to bring in massive amounts of equipment to illuminate the area, all while potentially being far from a power source.
Any time a character exits a building and the action follows them outside, a new slugline beginning with EXT. is needed to signal the start of a new scene.