Question about scene transitions and dialogues

[Nikitus]

Dear Student Filmmakers Forum

First of all, congratulations for your great web page!

I am new at screenwriting, i am writing my first script and i want to ask 2 questions

1) If the characters of the script have to move from one city to another city for example:

EXT. PORTLAND, DOWNTOWN - DAY
JOSH and CHARLES are talking

EXT. OREGON, DOWNTOWN - NIGHT
JOSH is watching TV

The script must have transitions like CUT TO: or Title Card?

EXT. PORTLAND, DOWNTOWN - DAY
JOSH and CHARLES are talking

TITLE CARD - "OREGON"

EXT. OREGON, DOWNTOWN - NIGHT
JOSH is watching TV ???


2) If a character needs to present himself to another, for example

DRAKONAR
I am Drakonar

DRAKONAR
Brother of Ranzor

DRAKONAR
Master of disguise

DRAKONAR
King of Drakonia

DRAKONAR
Nature lover


In this case, I need to use CONT. in almost every part?

DRAKONAR
I am Drakonar

DRAKONAR (CONT.)
Brother of Ranzor

DRAKONAR (CONT.)
Master of disguise

DRAKONAR (CONT.)
King of Drakonia

DRAKONAR (CONT.)
Nature lover

Best Regards and thanks for your time!

 

[Kim Welch]

On the first I don't think you need to put cut to and I believe you have it right. Also, sounds like you want it all perfect but if the story is good no one is going to through it out the window because you didn't have perfect format. Many people miss the bus of success waiting for the bus of perfection which never comes.

On the second of your questions you don't have to use contd unless there is some action between his line. Most screenplay software will automate the (MORE)s and (CONT’D)s for you, I think the thing is to be consistant with all these things. Most important is to have a good story. best of luck

http://www.scriptologist.com/Magazine/Formatting/formatting.html

http://screenwriting.io/what-are-more-and-contd-used-for-in-screenplays/

http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2000

http://www.filmmakersnetwork.ie/forums/showthread.php?1259-Script-format