Screenwriting : Transitions by John C. Nippolt

You shouldn't put those in a spec script. Those are inserted in the shooting script.

Usually yes but it's like with camera angles and all other guidelines. If you do it once or twice, i don't personally think it will hurt the screenplay, it could even enhance it. But sure, don't overuse them cause now readers'll think you didn't understand what a screenplay is supposed to be, the blueprint of the house.

It’s only true when screenplays/writing stink.

I’m re-reading “The Post” by Liz Hannah. She was a “new” repped writer at the time. She put “Opening Title Credits” on page 6 or 7. Nobody cared.

I was always told to leave the directing to the Director, and the shots to the DP. Adding camera angles and transition elements steps on their creative toes, so to speak. However, just like they mentioned above, if you do it once or twice I don't think they'll mind.

John, I formerly used "CUT TO," "DISSOLVE TO," etc., but shortly after I joined Stage 32 last year, I quit using those terms. (Confession Time: Within the first five or six pages, I like to, a la George Lucas, put "MAIN TITLES APPEAR OVER ACTION." And on the final page, I like adding "FREEZE FRAME." But that's it.)

All the VERY BEST to you! Glad you're on Stage 32, John!

Thank you everyone for the clarity...honing my version of Jesus's fateful return, "2."

Generally avoid inserting transitions as the writer - make the Director & AD do theirs. They won't pay any attention to yours anyway.

I didn't do it, then I read you need to do it, then I did it, then I had to edit them out = the learning curve and the internet

I'm stoked to have stopped wondering about this...I've gone through the same journey as WL Wright...thanks again everyone, I should have asked earlier.

It's been true for decades.

Thanks William, therapeutic...also good to know. It's getting easier for me to ask questions and listen for good advice.

I would say only use them when you need them and make sure you know why you are using them.

Not how to use them.

But why YOU are using them.

Right you are Claude. The better telling of my story with fewer transitions, the cleaner the pages.

Hey Dan, I've been wanting to read The Post. Where did you find the online script?

Christine Capone PM and I'll email to you

This is interesting as we were taught on the Scriptwriting MA (masters) course to include such transitions. Thank you as it helps to get industry advice compared to academic.

Ah Dan that makes perfect sense then as the MA I did was ten years ago.