“CUT TO:” can be a useful transition when you need to be extra-clear we’re moving to a new place and/or time. However, with the presence of scene headers, it is by no means necessary, and in modern screenplays it is often not used at all.
In a 2003 blog post, John August names three situations where CUT TO: can still be especially useful:
- When ending a scene abruptly for comedic or dramatic effect
- When moving between parallel action
- When transitioning away from titles and into a new scene
Ultimately, the use of CUT TO: is up to the writer’s personal preference.