So, I've been running into a small irritating problem with the whole (CONT'D) thing. I've been doing a LOT of reading to try and find a good example of how to structure some dialogues with (CONT'D) and I can't seem to find out when to and not to use it.

To clarify, I'm not ignorant of all the rules. I know why it's used and for the most part it's not confusing at all, but here's an example of where I get stuck (I'll use my LDE for reference):

---
INT. OFFICE - DAY

ELYSE gasps at KADEN's comment.

              ELYSE
        How dare you!?

She turns and leaves.

EXT. PARKING LOT - LATER

ELYSE stands next to her car.

              ELYSE (CONT'D)
        How did I get a dent in my door?
----

I know you're supposed to use (CONT'D) in the same scene if there's a break in the dialogue, but my problem is do you use it when you break to a different scene? This isn't a BIG problem I know, but it still concerns me. Please let me know if I'm supposed to use it here or not.

Thanks,
     B.

CONT'D is actually a dinosaur when it comes to formatting.  All the software packages still include it, but it's not really used anymore.


Phil

For your example you would not use it. There might be a case if she literally continued the same sentence, just to emphasise that.

It's does seem (CONT'D) is drifting out of fashion, but I would still use it, in the same scene where the same person's dialogue is split by action, because it helps a fast read. I've seen many scripts where character names are similar, and in a back and forth scene it is too easy to miss the change of serve.

I don't know who doesn't use it, but it's a fair bet WAR HORSE will win an Oscar for best adapted screenplay, and they do.

If you're going to use it (as dogglebe mentioned, it's not much required anymore but no harm, no foul) then in your example, you're using it incorrectly.

As NW3 stated, if it's in the same scene and you've interrupted the character's dialogue to include an action, then you'd use CONT'D.  But you don't use it from one scene to the next unless your character is providing a V.O. over a series of shots/montage/sequence.

Personally, I wouldn't bother using it at all.  When the reader sees the character's name with more dialogue, they already know it's continued.  No need to belabor the obvious.

Also, in a lot of scripts I read I see writers have tended to stop including a CONT'D when a character's dialogue is continued from one page to the next; some will simply move the entire section of dialogue to the next page (though sometimes this leaves a big blank at the bottom of the previous page) or they'll place a strategic action line to interrupt the dialogue, then pick it back up on the next page.  

Just sayin'.

I like it used when the dialog breaks and continues on the next page.  Helps ADD people like me to remember who is speaking.  :P

As was mentioned, alot of software automatically install it and there`s nothing you can do, either way it is not wrong to use it and yes it`s going out of fashion, but nobody should fault you,

Mark

Braksnen

Personally, I use (CONT'D) if the same character speaks either side of action lines. If a scene heading is inbetween like the example you gave, I don't.

I wonder why it has gone out of fashion because its practical and speeds up the read as NW3 said. One can see in a glance that the same character has continued talking without referring to names. I don't care if its become uncool, I'm gonna still use it because it benefits the reader and doesn't take up any extra space.

As several other people have mentioned, both ways are correct.  For my own personal tastes, I only use it when dialog continues on the next page, but not when dialogue is broken up by action.  I find that clutters the page too much - takes away from the "white space".  My two cents...

Barksnen,

Your example is an incorrect way to use the CONT'D.
It's not appropriate to toss that in there after starting a fresh scene.

You can use it within a scene, but it has gone out of fashion around town.
As a development reader, I rarely see it used.
It's more common to use MORE if a page break interrupts dialogue.

When your script is sold and going into production drafts, CONT'D is better.
It helps other production departments follow your dialogue better.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
E.D.

I wouldn't use it after a new slug, but i like to use it when a characters dialogue is broken by action lines in the same scene. Either way, just be consistent with its use throughout your script. To me, that's most important. Some will tell you not to use it because its old school, but if you ever do a table read with your script, you will see where it helps the readers know the next lines are still their character. To me it just makes a smoother read...

James

Quoted from dogglebe CONT'D is actually a dinosaur when it comes to formatting.  All the software packages still include it, but it's not really used anymore. Phil

You're an angel.

I currently got feedback from a reader and he told me that CONT'D is NEVER to be used anymore.
He told me that he stops reading scripts when he comes across "CONT'D".
That's all I know on the subject.

You can turn it off on Final Draft.

Quoted from Steex I currently got feedback from a reader and he told me that CONT'D is NEVER to be used anymore. He told me that he stops reading scripts when he comes across "CONT'D". That's all I know on the subject. You can turn it off on Final Draft.

I've never used CONT'D. Never have never will. Don't see the point.

However, if the reader in question stops reading a script for that sole reason - he isn't doing his job properly, and should be fired immediately by the production company he is working for.   ;D

Quoted from B.C. However, if the reader in question stops reading a script for that sole reason - he isn't doing his job properly, and should be fired immediately by the production company he is working for.   ;D

-- Agreed