Transitions

What a transition is

A transition tells the reader how one scene moves into the next. ALL CAPS, right-aligned on the page. "CUT TO:" "FADE OUT." "DISSOLVE TO:" "SMASH CUT TO:"

Use them sparingly

Modern scripts use transitions less than they used to. A new scene heading usually does the job on its own. The reader understands that a new scene heading means a cut. Save transitions for moments where the cut itself is the story: a smash cut, a match cut, a slow dissolve.

The ones you'll see

• "FADE IN:" starts the script. Most scripts open with this.
• "FADE OUT." ends the script, usually followed by "THE END."
• "CUT TO:" is a hard cut. Common but often unnecessary in modern scripts.
• "DISSOLVE TO:" suggests time passing or a softer shift.
• "SMASH CUT TO:" is a fast, aggressive cut, usually for surprise or humor.
• "MATCH CUT TO:" cuts between two visually similar shots.

Don't overdo it

If every scene ends with "CUT TO:", the reader starts skipping them. Let the scene headings do the work. A script with fewer transitions reads cleaner and faster.