When exactly do you use "CUT TO:" on a script? Every time action moves to a new place? Every time a completely new scene starts (i.e. not continuous action)? Or not at all?
CUT TO:
End of every scene. Or MIX TO, or DISSOLVE TO - which I think are if it's not a straight cut.
I also use it if there's a big room, and the scene goes from one part to another.
I'm pretty sure, you don't really have to use it.
Your job as the writer is to tell the story, with dialog and action descriptions. Transitions are more for the directors, editors to worry about.
If you feel they are important to the telling of the story, then use them. But generally, I think you shouldn't bother.
DISCLAIMER: I could be totally wrong, although that's very unlikely.
You're probably right.
But it acts as a type of END OF SCENE thing, so the reader knows that the action is moving on.
Otherwise the scene end just, well, stops dead, and looks a bit odd. IT just neatly book-ends the scene on the page.
I really dont know!
Thought I would pop on & inform you of that.
I don't know either. It's a good question though..
Quote: Frankie Rage @ September 4, 2007, 5:43 AMI don't know either. It's a good question though..
Thanks! 
Just popping on to tell you, that I still dont know.
As I understand it, if you are simply submitting a spec/competition script, there is no need to use "CUT TO:" "DISSOLVE TO:" etc., unless it somehow moves the story along. For example:
"No, don't worry Simon... Bengi doesn't bite."
CUT TO:
Simon's trainer on the floor in front of Benji, surrounded by a pool of blood.
As someone already said, these are directions that are added to the "shooting script" and are there for the benefit of the director.
According to the BBC pdf file about layouts that I've got saved on my pc - I don't know if it's still available - it says this:
"It's customary in a TV script to specify a transition at the end of every scene"
I'd always put it. If it's a straight cut, put CUT, if it's some kind of dissolve or mix, then say so. It bookends the scene nicely and shows the reader when the scene ends (if it just stops blankly, they'll be checking they've not got a page missing, I guarantee it!) Also it looks neater and more professional.
So, the answer is... there is no straight answer.
Putting a CUT TO: (or whatever) probably isn't a problem at the end of a scene, but a lot of new writers are prone to putting them all over the script, and this makes it complicated and messy for the reader. The rule is (as mentioned a couple of times above) - only use when absolutely necessary.
For example, if you can use "action" to describe something, this is preferable to technical direction:
Oscar bursts through the door, closely followed by Lauren, and Emma.
rather than:
Oscar bursts through the door.
CUT TO:
Lauren follows him.
CUT TO:
Then Emma.
An overexagerated example perhaps, but if you can explain the action without using direction, do it.
Yeah, I'd go with that.
In theory there's a million CUT TO's in one show - just use it at the end of the scene.
Hi
Popping on to say. I have read through all the advise on 'CUT TO'. All of it seems fab.
Anyhoo based on all the new info I have something new to add.
I STILL DONT FOOKING KNOW!!!!!
Hope I was of some help to you.
x
I use Final Draft software which makes you use a scene ending direction before you can move onto the next scene.
IMHO I'd use at the end of each scene - both for clarity, and to appear as professional as poss.
Quote: Stylo @ September 4, 2007, 9:04 PMI use Final Draft software which makes you use a scene ending direction before you can move onto the next scene.
I use Final Draft too, but mine doesn't do that! 
Must be something in the set-up?