I've been thinking about - Does it serve any purpose to use ( - continuous) rather than ( - day/night/morning/dusk)? I understand when I'm allowed to use it, as action and actors move from one location to another without a break in time, but isn't it more useful to everyone on production to write the time of day? Does anyone use - continuous?
Screenwriting : - continuous (on contest scripts) by Michael L. Mizrahi
- continuous (on contest scripts)
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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.
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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.
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I use continuous.
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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...