CUT TO no longer in scripts?

[enterthemadness]

It has come to my attention that CUT TO isn't in a script anymore. Is this true?

 

[WeaponZ2]

It has come to my attention that CUT TO isn't in a script anymore. Is this true?

Doesn't kind of depend on the writer?

 

[enterthemadness]

Yes. It's not really necessary, just if you want to empahsis the transition.

 

[Boba_Fett_123]

I still use it for emphasis, but I've always been taught that the cut is implied, and therefore unnecessary.

 

[Threshold]

Do you guys use Final Draft to write scripts?

 

[enterthemadness]

Movie Magic Screenwriter . Oh, when should I use CONT'D at the bottom of the page. I never use it because imho, it's just common sense if you are writing an action scene and it continues onto another page, that the reader will know it.

 

[jimthecomicguy]

CUT TO and other transitions are not in scripts.

They are only used in SHOOTING SCRIPTS and editing notices.

In a screenplay only what is scene on the screen should be included.

Use FINAL DRAFT when writing, it will help you out.

 

[Mr. Superhero]

I use the "CUT TO" technique. I always set my fan fics out as screenplay, even though I never film them. It helps the reader understand and visualize what's going on more, in my opinion.

 

[Dragon]

You can use Cut To and other transitions. Quite often they can help establish a mood. For example, if you use a fast cut for shock value. Or you use a slow dissolve to linger on a moment for emphasis.

Granted, the director has final say over editing decisions, but you're not worrying about that while writing the script. You're creating imagery.

 

[enterthemadness]

Yea, I am worring over that. I don't write fan scripts, I write with the hope I can SELL the script. I do realize (finally) that CUT TO isn't really in scripts anymore, and if it is, it's a shooting script. Thanks for replying back.

 

[spiderman boy]

Since you're writing to sell scripts, def. leave out CUT TO. It isn't used anymore, because at the end of the day, director overrules everyone. Readers look at it as wasted space.

Only use the continue in one case:if dialouge carries over to the next page. Adding continueds only insult the reader's intelligence. they dont need to kno that its time to turn the page, and if they do you need to get another reader! lol

Hope it helps, lemme kno if u have any other questions

 

[enterthemadness]

I don't use continued's...at all. If I'm writing a fight scene, and it continues onto the next page...it's common sense that it's continuing.

 

[jimthecomicguy]

Yes, steer clear of all camera or edit directions.

When I see a fan script or other wih CUT TO, I stop reading because it is distracting.

The only real transitions you need are FADE IN and FADE OUT

 

[enterthemadness]

The only transition I'm using besides FADE OUT or FADE IN is INTERCUT. Through, I think that's just in my short film script.

 

[Dragon]

Yes, steer clear of all camera or edit directions.

When I see a fan script or other wih CUT TO, I stop reading because it is distracting.

The only real transitions you need are FADE IN and FADE OUT

So you're telling me that if a script is well-written, you'll stop reading it because of the words Cut To?

I work with producers and directors. People who actually make the films, and they have no problem with cut tos or whatever. The only person who ever told me that Cut to was a problem was an agent, who in the end didn't sell anything after I removed Cut Tos and other transitions anyway. If your script is good, someone will respond to it.

 

[Spider-Girl™]

So you're telling me that if a script is well-written, you'll stop reading it because of the words Cut To?

I work with producers and directors. People who actually make the films, and they have no problem with cut tos or whatever. The only person who ever told me that Cut to was a problem was an agent, who in the end didn't sell anything after I removed Cut Tos and other transitions anyway. If your script is good, someone will respond to it.

here here! *toasts a glass to Dragon*

 

[Dragon]

here here! *toasts a glass to Dragon*

Thanks Spider-Girl BTW- are you writing the script for your Spider-Girl flick?

 

[Spider-Girl™]

Thanks Spider-Girl BTW- are you writing the script for your Spider-Girl flick?

yea, based in part on the comic. i even used the cut to's LOL

 

[Dragon]

yea, based in part on the comic. i even used the cut to's LOL

So you're an outlaw... Bad Spider-Girl! Bad!

 

[Alexia Dark]

I like camera directions... it helps the visualization. Of course, I write fanfiction, so I am writer, director, producer, music supervisor, set designer and costume designer for each one. Its all about the visualization.

 

[TKing]

^Yeah, I agree. Camera directions are not necessery, but I feel it helps the viewers visualise the story and the flow of the scene better.

 

[jimthecomicguy]

So you're telling me that if a script is well-written, you'll stop reading it because of the words Cut To?

I work with producers and directors. People who actually make the films, and they have no problem with cut tos or whatever. The only person who ever told me that Cut to was a problem was an agent, who in the end didn't sell anything after I removed Cut Tos and other transitions anyway. If your script is good, someone will respond to it.

I am a professional screenwriter and director. I used to be a reader for a couple of studios.

I was always told by the execs, when you have to read a hundred scripts a week, that if the writer doesn't know the format, stop reading and stamp a big PASS on it.

Just the way the world works.

If you have a great idea you want to get across, then take five minnutes to learn the format.

By putting those directions on it, you take away from the directors job. He decides CUTS and such as well as the overall look and story of the film.

Once again, if you are writing your own film and gonna direct it, write it however you want. hell put it on TP.

but if your mission is to sell a script, as was the point of this thread, then do not use CUT TO or it will not sell to a Hollywood studio.

You don't need it. You add a new SLUG line, which tells the audience and who ever that we have obviously CUT to something.

I agree, its not really fair. You could have a great story there and no one will read it. So, like I said, if you feel so strongly that you have the next big thing, take a day, read a book and learn the format. Or buy FINAL DRAFT and it will do it all for you.

 

[Dragon]

I am a professional screenwriter and director. I used to be a reader for a couple of studios.

I was always told by the execs, when you have to read a hundred scripts a week, that if the writer doesn't know the format, stop reading and stamp a big PASS on it.

Just the way the world works.

If you have a great idea you want to get across, then take five minnutes to learn the format.

By putting those directions on it, you take away from the directors job. He decides CUTS and such as well as the overall look and story of the film.

Once again, if you are writing your own film and gonna direct it, write it however you want. hell put it on TP.

but if your mission is to sell a script, as was the point of this thread, then do not use CUT TO or it will not sell to a Hollywood studio.

You don't need it. You add a new SLUG line, which tells the audience and who ever that we have obviously CUT to something.

I agree, its not really fair. You could have a great story there and no one will read it. So, like I said, if you feel so strongly that you have the next big thing, take a day, read a book and learn the format. Or buy FINAL DRAFT and it will do it all for you.

Okay. First off usage of transitions doesn't suggest that you don't know screenplay format. In fact, programs like Final Draft automatically format transitions for you. So that's neither here nor there.

What you're speaking of is assembly-line format to make things easier for studio readers. And going that route won't get most screenwriters particularly far anyway. 99% of scripts are bounced regardless of the use of transitions.

I'm currently in the midst of getting financing for a package of films, and the use of transitions in the scripts hasn't been an obstacle. Ever.

Again, use of certain transitions can infact be helpful to generating a feeling of pacing. And of course, if you are writing a montage, then endless cut-tos become tedious. It's about your approach. For example even though I'm directing my scripts, I rarely use camera direction unless I feel the scene absolutely needs it. Yes, in the end directors choose transitions. But they also alter dialogue, action, remove and add scenes etc.

Finally, considering the types of scripts that are regularly green-lit in Hollywood these days, writers and readers should be concerned about a helluva lot more than if the word cut-to is in the script.

I'm certainly not suggesting to the person who started this thread to do anything he didn't want to or felt would help his chances, but to simply say that cut-to is evil and will ruin his chances is bull.

 

[Boba_Fett_123]

Well said, Dragon.

 

[Dragon]

Thanks, Boba.