Should You Designate a Transition in a Spec Script?

Spec scripts are written for a variety of purposes, especially by relatively new or aspiring filmmakers that are just looking for some added practice or to build up a library of content they can share with producers or filmmakers that may have interest. Spec scripts are incredibly popular, many aspiring screenplay writers will spec many scripts over the course of their careers in hopes of eventually selling them off. The spec script basically is there to sell the story, so should you designate a transition in a spec script?

Writing on spec means you’re creating the script specifically for the script reader that you have in mind. Whether that’s a particular producer, or a specific representative from the industry, the way you write your spec has EVERYTHING to do with whether or not your spec gets sold.

What to Include in a Spec Script

So, should you designate a transition in a spec script? Probably not, at least not for the most part! Screenwriters really shouldn’t take on the role of Director.

In fact, if you’re including elements that make your script appear like you’re taking on the Director’s role, you might tick the Director off. Nobody likes when people step on their toes, especially not in the film industry!

One of the best ways to determine what to include in a spec script is to read specs or past scripts from the show for which you’re spec’ing. Following industry standards will help your scripts to stand out as more professional. Avoid things like fancy fonts, images, or titles.

If you can’t find a past script, or you’re spec’ing an original, consider including the following:

• An engaging concept that hasn’t been seen before. It must be compelling.
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• High stakes conflict with protagonists that have some form of character arc.
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• Important moments that drive the story, tug at the emotions and convey an emotional experience.
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• Great pacing with easy to follow aesthetics.
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• A format consistent with the industry.

The most important elements to include are:

• The scene headings
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• Scene descriptions
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• Your character names
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• Character dialogue

Try not to muddle your spec script up with too much unnecessary garbage. You don’t need transitions, and you don’t need to provide any directions for the Director! Doing so will simply make your spec script harder to review and will make you stand out as an amateur.

Are Transitions in a Spec Script Ever Okay?

Yes, but rarely! 

The only time you should be including or designating a transition in a spec script is if doing so is crucial to the story. The use of transitions to cue things like a fade or dissolve or a cut is really just not something that the screenwriter should be focusing on.

While you may recall old spec scripts as being cluttered and literally inundated with transitions between every new scene, that’s just not the case for specs in today’s film world.

Designation 

If a transition is integral to the story, and you just cannot see the story being understood by the Director or whomever is reading your spec script, then you may consider very, very limited use of transitions. In doing so, should you designate a transition in a spec script? 

If including a transition, just use standard ALL CAPS to designate it, but really — aim for minimal use, if any and know that even many of the most professional screenwriters limit their use of transitions in their speccing.