Screenwriting : Use of ‘Continuous’ in script by Alexis Guthrie

what I do is write FLASHBACK, then when the flashback ends, I write END FLASHBACK.

Yep, end flashback is okay to use, continuous is not correct in this instance.

I have used FLASHBACK and END FLASHBACK, so when is it ok to use CONTINUOUS?

The only time I ever use CONTINUOUS is when the character is moving from one location to another. For example: EXT. PORCH - DAY Becky knocks on the door but doesn't wait for an answer before entering. INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINOUS Becky sneaks into the living room. Not very creative, but you get the idea. Generally I use DAY or NIGHT as well. I hope this helps!

I ditto both Bo's and Becky's comments. I wrote coverage for a while and have to say that I would have found the use of the word 'CONTINUOUS' to end a flashback to be confusing. (I probably would have worked it out and if the script was reading well, would not have counted it against the writer.) END FLASHBACK just seems to me to be a much more clear way to end the FB and so allow the read to flow smoothly. Also I always use CONTINUOUS as per Becky's example, so using the word in another way just might confuse a reader.

I use an older version of Final Draft--wish I knew how to eliminate CONTINUOUS. It's a waste of space most of the time.

Virginia - Yes. Assuming you meant using the word to carry the reader to the rest of a scene which goes onto the next page, I have heard from several working writers that you can simply omit that. But Final Draft does have a mind of its own. :)

Virginia: I think you're thinking of CONTINUED which occurs at the end and start of a page, as opposed to CONTINUOUS which is used at the end of a slug in place of DAY or NIGHT. What version of FD are you using?

Pierre, you are so right. My mistake. I have confused the two. I wish I could have control over the use of CONT'D in my computer program. I HAVE control over continuous. :)

You can turn them off by clicking Document on the toolbar then selecting Mores and Continueds.

I concur with Becky -- use continuous when there's a transition from, say, one room to another without a break in time/action. It's usually used when there's a wall involved.

Thanks everyone for your comments and feedback! And yes, it helped! Just to be clear, I was using the BEGIN FLASHBACK and END FLASHBACK to set that scene apart. I wasn’t using CONTINUOUS as part of the next slug line. That’s when I was using DAY or NIGHT (as Hank suggested). For as much writing as I’ve done, I haven’t really worked on a screenplay. It’s nice to know that I’m (hopefully!) doing something right when it comes to editing and breaking down the script for the project I’m working on.

Personally I never understood why one couldn't use Dawn or Dusk as it tends to clarify things for the reader as far as time and the lighting. It's always weird to see a movie go from day to night, one scene to the next, when you know that that much time hasn't elapsed in the story. (I know, it's a shooting thing).

Dan, I understand that. I just think it should be okay initially and can then be changed when the shooting script is written. Another note regarding the use of "CONTINUOUS": Look at the2007 shooting script for STAR TREK -- it's replete with them.

Harold/Dan - Try dealing with the issue of a scene at a particular time of day in scene description rather than in a slug line (not just because 'it's the way it's done' or you may alienate a reader). Let's say you have a scene, which you visualize as working best at a particular time of day. Give your reason in the scene description. 'Dawn and Joe the hero catches his enemies with the sun in their eyes so he can pick them off one by one.' (From a scene in 'The Outlaw Josey Whales'.) Or whatever your reason is for wanting the scene set at precisely that time of day. It also allows your director and cinematographer to make a choice which is always a good thing for a writer to do. :)

Dan Oh, but they're out there lurking. :)

I just happened to see that shooting script. I imagine the original script isn't much different. The whole point is to make the script as easy/understandable a read as possible and I think sometimes people nitpick about things that really don't matter..

Dan, that was a general reference. I wasn't singling you out.

I've personally never used continuous and to my understanding it is seldom used these days by writers. It's not wrong to use it, just unnecessary.

Hey, if Kurtzman and Orci can do it...