When Do I Use Transitions?

[The ImagiNation]

I noticed that I have a tendancy of using CUT TO: a little too much in my scripts. I was thinking, wouldn't using CUT TO: and other transitions only get in the way? I think it is safe to say that when you jump from one scene to the next a CUT will be there.

My question is, what is the best way to sparingly use transitions, if use them at all?

Thanks

[-XL-]

Get rid of them all. Read it through. If nothing is lost from the read, job done.

[dpaterso]

I've heard the same thing suggested about CUT TO: before. Logically, yes, if you start a new scene then you have already CUT TO: that new scene so what's the point in typing it?

Confusion maybe arises because some pro screenwriters use CUT TO: while others don't. Perhaps those who do are simply stating they don't think any other kind of transition is warranted?

Sure, wannabe/learning screenwriters aren't supposed to use transitions at all, but FADE OUT: and FADE IN: are useful for denoting end of/beginning of sequences (if you happen to write in sequence form). DISSOLVE TO: also has its uses especially as a time lapse indicator. I'll avoid transitions whenever I can, but if I feel they're doing something for the script I'll leave 'em be and damn the icebergs.

Note that CUT TO: is sometimes used in TV scripts as a flag to denote end of current scene, if the "start a new page for each scene" layout is preferred.

-Derek
-> * (http://hometown.aol.co.uk/DPaterson57) <- Click on this magic star to be transported to my website. Ruby slippers optional.
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