In a screenplay, CONT'D is an abbreviation for "continued" and serves a crucial purpose in maintaining clarity and readability for the script's audience. It indicates that the same character is speaking again after their dialogue has been interrupted by an action, a parenthetical, or another non-dialogue element.
The Purpose of CONT'D
The primary reason for using CONT'D is to prevent misinterpretation and ensure the reader understands that a character's thought or sentence structure is not yet complete, despite a break in their spoken lines. This convention helps to:
- Maintain Flow: It signals that the dialogue is a single, ongoing thought rather than two separate, unrelated statements.
- Avoid Confusion: Without it, a reader might assume the character finished their statement before the action, and the subsequent line is a new thought.
- Aid Actors and Directors: It provides a clear visual cue for actors to understand the pacing and intent of their lines, and for directors to block scenes accordingly.
When and How CONT'D Appears
CONT'D is typically used when:
- Action Interrupts Dialogue: A character is speaking, then an action line describes something they do, and they resume speaking.
- Parentheticals Break Dialogue: A parenthetical (e.g.,
(beat),(to herself),(frustrated)) appears between parts of a character's single line of dialogue. - Multiple Pages: Historically, CONT'D could also appear at the top of a new page if a character's dialogue carried over, but modern screenwriting software often handles this automatically or it's less strictly enforced.
Here's an illustrative example:
| Without CONT'D (Potential Ambiguity) | With CONT'D (Clear and Correct) |
|---|---|
| SARAH | SARAH |
| I don't think we should -- | I don't think we should -- |
| (She glances nervously at the clock.) | (She glances nervously at the clock.) |
| -- rush into this. | SARAH (CONT'D) |
| -- rush into this. |
In the second example, SARAH (CONT'D) clearly shows that "rush into this" is a continuation of her original statement, interrupted only by her nervous glance.
Automatic Generation of CONT'D
Many modern screenwriting software programs, like Final Draft, Celtx, and others, will automatically generate "CONT'D" where required. For example, if you write a character's dialogue, insert an action line, and then continue the character's dialogue, the software will often add the (CONT'D) parenthetical for you. This automation streamlines the writing process and helps ensure proper formatting.
Best Practices for Screenwriters
- Consistency is Key: While software often handles it, always double-check your script for consistent application of CONT'D.
- Read Aloud: Reading your dialogue aloud can help you identify places where a CONT'D might be necessary to preserve the natural flow of speech.
- Less is More: Use CONT'D when truly needed to avoid confusion. Overuse can clutter the page.
- Standard Formatting: Ensure your screenplay adheres to industry-standard formatting guidelines, which almost universally include the use of CONT'D for interrupted dialogue. For more on general screenplay formatting, refer to resources like the Writers Guild of America.
Understanding and correctly applying "CONT'D" is a fundamental aspect of professional screenplay formatting, ensuring your script is easy to read and understand for all involved in the production process.
