Should a screenplay have scene numbers?

Scene numbers belong on a shooting script, not a spec script. Once a script goes into production, every scene heading is numbered in both margins so the crew can schedule and refer to scenes. The numbers are then locked, so adding a scene later creates numbers like 12A instead of renumbering.

Spec script vs shooting script

A spec script is written to sell or enter competitions; leave numbers off. A shooting script is the production version; numbers are essential.

Locked numbering

Once numbering is locked, scene 12 stays scene 12 even if scenes are added before it, so call sheets and schedules don't fall out of date.

In True-Script, turn on Scene numbers in the Pages view. They print in both margins and stay locked.

When to add scene numbers

Scene numbers are for production, not for selling. Leave them off spec scripts, competition entries and drafts you send to agents and readers. Add them when the script is about to be broken down, scheduled and budgeted, usually once the director and first assistant director are working from it. From that point on, everybody on the crew refers to scenes by number: "We're shooting 47 and 48 after lunch."

Where they go

Scene numbers appear in both the left and right margins, level with the scene heading. Having them on both sides means they can be seen whichever way a script is held or bound, and the script supervisor can match notes quickly.

Locking scene numbers

Once a production starts, scene numbers must stay fixed. If you add a new scene between 12 and 13, it becomes 12A rather than renumbering everything after it. If you delete scene 20, the number remains with the word OMITTED, so there is never confusion about whether a scene has been lost. Renumbering a script mid-production causes chaos, because call sheets, schedules, continuity notes and the edit all refer to the old numbers.

Page locking and revision colours

Scene locking usually goes with page locking: new material is added on A pages (such as 34A) instead of reflowing the whole script, and each set of revisions is printed on a different colour of paper, starting with blue, then pink, yellow, green and so on. It sounds old-fashioned, but it means everyone can tell at a glance which pages have changed.

Scene numbers in True-Script

Tap Pages, then Scene numbers, to turn them on. They appear in both margins, stay put when you add scenes, and carry through to your PDF and Final Draft exports.

Common questions

Related guides

• What is a scene heading in a screenplay?
• How do you format a screenplay?
• Which file format should a screenplay be?