‘Continuous’ in Screenplays: How to Use ‘Continuous’ in a Script

“Continuous” is a screenwriting term indicating ongoing action as a character moves to different locations or different places in the same location. In a typical screenplay format, you might see the word “CONTINUOUS” in all caps within a new scene heading, which announces the location (as “INT.” or “EXT.”) and time of day (“DAY” or “NIGHT”) in which the action of the scene occurs.

Using “continuous” in scriptwriting also indicates that a character is performing a continuous action as time passes. A screenwriter may use this term in place of the time of day to indicate to the script reader that the action from the previous scene continues into the next scene.

Though they sound similar, the terms “continuous” and “cont’d” are distinct in filmmaking. “Continuous” indicates that a scene’s action is ongoing, changing from one setting to the next without a break in time. Screenwriters include “cont’d” (short for “continued”) in parentheticals next to a character’s name in dialogue to indicate that their speech continues after an action or another character’s words. Both of these terms help clarify how the action of a scene is supposed to unfold in shooting scripts.

If you’re using one of the industry-standard screenwriting software programs, it may automatically format “continuous” into your script. However, knowing the film industry formatting conventions ensures you appear professional and competent on the page. (It may even help you sell your screenplay.) Here is an overview of when to use “continuous” in a script.

• To show a location change: Use “continuous” in a new scene heading to show that the action continues as your character moves locations. For example, suppose the character in your scene is getting out of class and moving to different locations around the school. In this case, you would write one master scene heading incorporating the location (e.g., INT. HIGH SCHOOL), time of day (DAY), and “CONTINUOUS.” With the addition of “continuous,” the scene heading shows that the character is still performing the action from the previous scene, but they have moved to a new location.
• To show the passage of time: In a scene heading, “continuous” can indicate that the action of a scene continues with the passage of time. To do this, write a master scene heading with the word “CONTINUOUS” appearing after the time of day. Alternatively, include all of the scene information in the master scene heading (appearing as INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – DAY) and use a secondary scene heading when the location changes, replacing the time of day with “continuous” to indicate the passage of time (e.g., INT. HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS).

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