HOW TO FORMAT TRANSITIONS IN A SCREENPLAY

Transition [(cut to), (back to) they often follow action and always precede Scene heading. They are used to indicate transitions to scenes that are related]

Mrs. Garcia wakes up suddenly and sits up.

She looks around the room in fear.

She rubs her eyes with her hand; and then stands up off the bed, moves to the desk, picks up the desk phone and dials a number.

CUT TO:

INT. MATILDA’S HOUSE – BEDROOM – NIGHT (SAME NIGHT)

The desk phone beside the bed rings.

Matilda opens her eyes.

The phone rings again and she hops out of the bed quickly, looking very curious to answer.

She picks it up and answers.

MATILDA

Hello.

Mama!

BACK TO:

INT. GARCIA’S HOUSE – BEDROOM – NIGHT (SAME NIGHT)

Mrs. Garcia is holding unto the phone firmly, looking very anxious.

MRS GARCIA

Matilda