Using CUT TO:
Can you specify how to use transitions while writing a screenplay? I’m referring to all those "cut to"-s and other transitions. I never know if I should actually use one, or just move to the next scene.
–Lior
In most situations, you don’t need to use CUT TO: or any other transition at the end of a scene. When readers hit a new scene header (i.e. INT. HOUSE – DAY), they inherently understands that the old scene is over, and we’ve cut to a new one. The CUT TO: is just filler.
However, CUT TO: can still be useful. The most common situation is when you’re ending a scene abruptly for dramatic or comedic effect (usually the latter):
BARBARA
Okay, maybe just one drink.
CUT TO:
INT. BAR – LATER
Barbara pours a pitcher of beer over herself. She
then continues a sassy bar-top shimmy that’s got the whole CROWD worked
up.
The second most common use for CUT TO: is when you’re moving between
parallel action. If the hero is fighting his way to the back of the train while
the heroine is trying to defuse the bomb in the caboose, you’ll probably
use CUT TO: to switch back and forth between their situations. While you’re
following your hero from car to car, it’s therefore better to not use
a CUT TO:, in order to make it more clear to the readers that we’re
following one continuous action.
The final case you’ll find yourself using CUT TO: is when inserting titles
over black, “Law and Order”-style. The CUT TO: makes it clear you’re
not printing on top of the scene that follows.
2 Responses to “Using CUT TO:”
Using CUT TO:
Can you specify how to use transitions while writing a screenplay? I’m referring to all those “cut to”-s and other transitions. I never know if I should actually use one, or just move to the next scene.
–Lior
Answer is here.
One Response to “Using CUT TO:”
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Pat Ryan says:
January 26th, 2004 at 1:40 pmHi John, Years ago, my family and I lived in Frasier Meadows in Boulder. I think you went to school with my daughter, Kim. Just want you to know how much I enjoyed “Big Fish”. It’s the most creative piece of work, both visually and intellectually, that I have ever seen. Congratulations on all you have already accomplished and much success in the future. Sincerely, Pat Ryan
Articles
November 13th, 2007 at 10:28 pm
It is permissible to use anything other than cut to. I know that some spec scripts use smash cut or something to that degree, and I get why they use it, but do editors get mad at seeing that?
December 30th, 2007 at 9:09 am
in “moving between parallel action” you can use CUT TO: and BACK TO: