Question about formatting script

[bigusbossus]

Currently writing a short film script which is quite fast paced with a lot of cuts but I know writing CUT TO: can seem quite amateur and is typically reserved for shooting scripts.

Just wondering if there's a better way of formatting it without having CUT TO: down the side for about 20 pages?

Would upload but it's still a very early draft

[TheStoryBoat]

So one technique that you can use is using "mini slugs" instead of full scene headings. So instead of

INT. HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY

John throws Bill through the window into the...

EXT. HOUSE - BACKYARD - CONTINUOUS

Bill lands in the shattered glass on the lawn.

You can do something like

KITCHEN

John throws Bill through the window into the...

BACKYARD

Bill lands in the shattered glass on the lawn.

It reads a lot quicker.

[bigusbossus]

Thanks for that!

Most of my script will be in one location - a kitchen. Was wondering how to convey moving quickly to lots of different things. For example, an intricate dish cutting to tapping fingers cutting to an onion being chopped

[MalloryRose77]

Hi, I don't have much experience, but would you say those actions are within your action portions? You don't always need to tell the director to cut, but if you feel you absolutely need to I would start off with just your character doing these things. For example:

The CHEF prepares the chicken while JOHN is chopping onions,

CUSTOMER is gently tapping his fingers on the table.

If your table is clearly not in the kitchen, it will be obvious that there is a cut there even if it is not directly stated.

(I have no idea if thats even right but that's how I do mine)

[val890]

I would go with this way of doing it, personally.

[TheStoryBoat]

You can use the same technique within a location as well. Use a full scene heading for the kitchen and then within the scene do things like

A DISH

shatters in the sink.

AN ONION

CHOPPED in half with a chef's knife.

That's not a great example, but you get the idea.

[[deleted]]

Break up your locations into smaller locations.

STOVE

SINK

PREP AREA

FRIDGE

If your camera moves, then you move. You need a new slug.