Intercut
Intercut is a storytelling technique used in screenwriting and film editing where two or more scenes are shown alternately, usually happening at the same time but in different locations. It's like showing a phone conversation by switching back and forth between both people talking, or cutting between a chase scene showing both the pursuer and the person being chased. This technique helps create suspense, show relationships between events, or tell multiple storylines at once. When you see this term in a resume, it means the person knows how to write scripts that effectively use this important dramatic technique.
Examples in Resumes
Wrote a thriller screenplay using Intercut sequences to build tension between parallel storylines
Applied Intercut techniques in television scripts to maintain multiple character arcs
Created dramatic Intercut scenes for a crime drama pilot episode
Typical job title: "Screenwriters"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Screenwriters
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Learning Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you use intercut scenes to develop multiple storylines efficiently?
Expected Answer: A senior writer should explain how they balance multiple plot threads, maintain clarity for the audience, and create emotional impact through strategic scene placement.
Q: Describe a complex intercut sequence you've written and how it served the story.
Expected Answer: They should provide a specific example showing how they used intercutting to enhance drama, build suspense, or reveal character relationships, while keeping the audience engaged.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What considerations do you take into account when writing an intercut sequence?
Expected Answer: Should discuss timing, pacing, maintaining story clarity, and how to effectively transition between scenes while keeping the audience oriented.
Q: How do you format intercut scenes in a screenplay?
Expected Answer: Should explain standard formatting practices for intercut scenes in scripts, including proper scene headers and transitions.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is an intercut and when would you use it?
Expected Answer: Should be able to define intercut as alternating between two or more scenes and provide basic examples like phone conversations or chase sequences.
Q: How does intercutting differ from regular scene transitions?
Expected Answer: Should explain that intercutting shows simultaneous action in different locations, unlike regular sequential scenes.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic script formatting
- Simple intercut scenes
- Phone conversation scenes
- Understanding of parallel action
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex intercut sequences
- Multiple storyline management
- Tension building techniques
- Scene transition expertise
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced narrative structures
- Multi-threaded story development
- Innovative intercutting techniques
- Mentoring other writers
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic intercut formatting
- No understanding of parallel action
- Lack of produced or completed scripts
- No knowledge of industry standard screenplay software
Related Terms
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