Views From Your Muse

ASK UNCLE DAVE

The unkindest CUT TO of all

QUESTION

Someone told me, "If I submit my script using the CUT TO editing direction like William Goldman does, my script is going to get laughed straight into the trash can." On the other hand, some screenwriting books promote the use of CUT TO. Is there a proper time and place for CUT TO, or should I omit the use of the term altogether?

ANSWER

First of all, established writers can do what they please and Goldman (one of my heroes) uses the CUT TO after virtually every scene and shot. It's excessive by spec script standards.

Although a screenwriting book may recommend use of the CUT TO, it will not suggest that you use it a la William Goldman. However, in the evolution of spec format, the CUT TO is seldom used today. Look at the copyright notice of any book recommending its use and note how long it's been since that book was written; also, make sure the book is not demonstrating shooting script format.

In writing a spec script today, avoid editing directions like CUT TO, DISSOLVE TO, WIPE TO, MATCH CUT, etc. However, there are times to use them. Here is Trottier Axiom #7 to guide you: Use an editing direction when it is absolutely necessary to understand the story, or when its use helps link two scenes in a way that creates humor or improves continuity. Under that rule of thumb, I find myself using editing directions about twice every 120 pages.

Keep in mind that in virtually all scene transitions, one scene ends, followed by the heading for the next scene. The CUT TO is nearly always understood and does not need to be written. In short, let the editor do the editing and you do the writing.

This excerpt is from Dave's column for Script Magazine, Box 7, Baldwin, MD 21013.

I am here to answer your questions about screenwriting. Whether it's a general question or a specific problem, just drop me a line. If I believe your inquiry has a general interest, I will print it along with my response in this column. Due to time constraints, I cannot individually respond to every request. Keep writing and good selling.