Screenwriting : - continuous (on contest scripts) by Michael L. Mizrahi

You're right, production scripts would use DAY, NIGHT rather than CONTINUOUS but competition scripts aren't production scripts. If you want to use CONTINUOUS in a script you're going to submit for a contest, go right ahead.

Hi Michael. I use continuous frequently. I lot of my scripts either take place in real time, or do bits that move from location to location. When giving to someone to read, continuous tells us the scene is continuing but the location changed, like you said, so if you don't use it and instead do day/night, it will seem like a fresh scene on the page.

If you are moving in a single stream of action you would already (I am assuming) know the time.

Craig outside house - day

Int. house - continuous.

That tells people just so much. Hair, makeup, wardrobe all have to be matched perfectly to the previous shot. Especially if it is a real location change. Moving from real external to studio.

I use continuous.

I use them if the scene (or sequence if it's smaller scenes tied together to form a larger setpiece) is meant to take place in natural real time. I usually have a VERY clear picture of what I want in my head.

Once you've established the time (day/night), establishing it again is redundant. Even INT./EXT. once established need not be restated unless it changes. A master scene heading such as INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT can be followed by a sub-scene as: KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS. This shows the Director & Crew that a break down and camera/lighting relocation is required - or it could be a moving shot.

I usually use "continuous" when the upcoming scene is in continuation of the previous's one. If not, i use ext/int...