Ordinarily, the scripts I tend to write are by nature
shooting scripts. In all probability its due to the fact that I know that
I’m going to be the one
directing them, so they’re very "CUT TO" and "FADE TO" heavy.
However, I’ve recently been entertaining the idea of entering a few in screenwriting
contests and most of the feedback I’ve received from peers has been that shooting
scripts are often dismissed as being "unprofessional."
Have you found this to be the case? If so, what sorts of things need to be
avoided and why?
–Richard
It’s truly a matter of personal style. I’ll explain how I approach it, but
you should know that there is not one right answer.
I use "CUT TO:" when it’s meant to be an especially blunt transition.
The classic and bad example is when a character says, "I will never, ever
get on a train." CUT TO: He’s on a train. (This is a situation where some
writers use, "SMASH CUT TO:", but that’s always seemed tacky to me,
like a cymbal crash.)
CUT TO: is also helpful when you’re finishing up a series of short scenes in one location, and then need to make it clear to the reader that you’re jumping
to a new place and time.
Overuse of fades can feel like the writer is trying to "direct from the
page," generally a no-no. One or two in a script won’t raise any hackles.
Fifteen will. So be judicious.