Transition

Format

Definition: A transition is a screenplay instruction indicating how one scene moves to the next. Common transitions include CUT TO:, SMASH CUT TO:, DISSOLVE TO:, and FADE OUT. They appear flush right or at the right margin in standard formatting. In modern screenwriting, transitions are used rarely — the assumption is that every scene change is a cut.

Understanding Transition

Transitions were essential in early Hollywood screenwriting when editors needed explicit instructions. Today, CUT TO: between every scene is considered old-fashioned and wastes page space. The convention now is that a new scene heading implies a cut. You only write a transition when the specific type of edit matters to the storytelling. SMASH CUT TO: emphasizes a jarring juxtaposition. DISSOLVE TO: implies time passing. MATCH CUT TO: connects two visually similar images across scenes. FADE IN: opens a script and FADE OUT. closes it — those are the two transitions every script still uses. Anything else is a deliberate stylistic choice.

Example in a Screenplay

He stares at the letter, hands trembling.

                                        SMASH CUT TO:

EXT. COURTHOUSE STEPS - DAY

Ten years later. Same man. Same trembling hands. But now
he's wearing a judge's robe.

Common Mistakes

Writing CUT TO: between every scene — it is assumed and wastes a line per scene. Using transitions to show off editing knowledge instead of serving the story. Forgetting that FADE OUT. uses a period and sits at the right margin. Confusing FADE TO BLACK with FADE OUT (they are interchangeable but FADE OUT. is standard). Overusing SMASH CUT until it loses impact.