Too often, writers think of scenes as discrete units. They forget that their story needs to work in its entirety. This results in bumpy scenes that lose momentum with each transition.
When writing your script, consider what’s connecting your scenes together. Simple things can bridge the cut – for instance, images and sounds that connect or contrast. A photo of a bird in a house then takes us to an outdoor scene where we see a bird flying. The prelap of a cash register transitions into the next scene at a check-out line.
You can also use narrative momentum to bridge the cut. A character says they have to go meet The Wolf, someone we’ve never heard of before. That raises a question for the audience – who’s The Wolf? This sets up a transition to the next scene where the question can be answered as we meet The Wolf.
Alternatively, purposefully jarring cuts can also give a jolt of energy. Cutting away from a scene earlier than expected or into a surprising situation creates it own questions while keeping the audience on their toes.
These are just a few of the ways to write to the cut rather than just aimlessly moving from scene to scene. As you start to pay attention you’ll see more techniques in the films and television you watch. Developing this skill will help keep your script propulsive and engaging.