CONT'Ds & SAMEs

I've sure I've seen some gurus suggest that (CONT'D) has gone out of favor, certainly in spec scripts, much like CONTINUED and MORE page labels. Though I haven't changed my software setting yet, and probably won't. What's the harm?

I'm not familiar with SAME -- haven't seen it before, and it's not listed in FD's glossary of screenwriting terms.

-Derek

I've never seen same and I never use cont'd unless the dialog splits across the two pages. My final draft does that one for me.

You use CONT'D if the dialogue splits across the page and (continuing) if the dialogue is interupted by an action.

So it would be:

RECEPTIONIST
Mr. Rieper!

He stopped in his tracks and turned to look.


RECEPTIONIST
You forgot to check in.

She reads off a list on a clipboard which had the day’s schedule and shifts.


RECEPTIONIST
You’re early today, Mr. Rieper. Mr. Farrid doesn’t finish until seven. Looks like you’re working Section 3 today. I believe…

She looks back, flipping through the history of his shifts.

RECEPTIONIST
(continuing)
…this is your first morning shift. Do you know remember where Section 3 is?