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How to start a script breakdown

Spell Slate automatically starts a breakdown when you import a script. Scenes, characters, and locations are extracted from the text. Open the Breakdown tab to view results. This page walks through what gets extracted and how to review it. Scene Breakdown table with filters and scene list

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Import starts the breakdown

When you import a script, Spell Slate runs in the background and builds your scene, location, and character breakdown. No separate action is needed.

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What gets extracted

Scenes — Scene headings (sluglines) are parsed into individual scenes. Each scene includes its number, setting (INT/EXT), time of day, and location from the heading. Characters — Characters who speak in each scene are detected from dialogue cues. Spell Slate links each character to the scenes where they appear. Locations — Location names are taken from scene headings and synced into your project’s location list. You can review and merge duplicates in the Locations view. Props, wardrobe, vehicles, set dressing, and other breakdown items are not extracted automatically. You add those manually in the breakdown views or by tagging them in the script. See Tagging elements in a script breakdown for details.

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Reviewing your breakdown

In the Breakdown tab, you will see a Scene Breakdown table listing all scenes with scene number, setting, cast IDs, location, estimated time, page count, and breakdown elements. Use the filter toolbar to narrow by scene, location, category, or character. Use the sidebar or category links to open Characters, Locations, or item views such as Props, Wardrobe, Vehicles, and Set Dressing. Each view shows elements across your script and which scenes they appear in. The Summary button opens an overview. Save as PDF (or Export) exports the breakdown report for printing or sharing.

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Next steps

After reviewing what was extracted, you can add or edit elements (including props and wardrobe), assign cast to characters, merge duplicates, or move on to scheduling and shot lists. See Tagging elements in a script breakdown and Boards and cards for more on refining your breakdown.