A scene number identifies a scene in a shooting script. Once numbers are locked, Scene 42 keeps its number so schedules, sides, and crew notes agree.
Spec scripts usually omit scene numbers. Shooting scripts add them when the draft becomes a production document that departments must cite in boards and sides. Scene 42 should mean the same unit for wardrobe, locations, and the AD even after nearby pages gain revisions overnight.
After lock, an inserted scene can receive a lettered number such as 42A. A removed scene keeps its existing number with an OMITTED marker. These preserve the references in sides, lined scripts, and schedules without renumbering the scenes that follow.
Writers sometimes number a spec to look "more professional." Readers often read that as a shooting-draft costume on a sales draft. Add numbers when production, a classroom assignment, or a specific submission guideline asks for them -- not as decorative seriousness on the first page.
Choose Scene Numbers from the Production menu, select Scene Heading, and choose Number/Renumber. For an already issued draft, use Keep Existing Numbers so new scenes receive lettered numbers without changing the published references.
Generally no -- readers treat numbered specs as trying to look like shooting drafts. Add numbers when production or a classroom assignment asks for them.
It usually marks a scene inserted after lock without renumbering the whole script. Scene 12 stays 12; the new unit between 12 and 13 becomes 12A so schedules do not break.
Typically the production office or AD team issues numbered drafts. Writers should not freestyle renumber mid-prep once sides and boards already depend on the published scheme.
In shooting scripts they sit with the scene heading as the shared reference. In specs, leave them off and let the heading's location and time do the orientation work alone.
