Transitions
BackgroundTransitions define how the video/presentation switches between shots/slides and can communicate important information. There are a host of ways to move from one shot/slide to the next or one scene to the next. The choice of transitions types should help tell the story.
The video in the following link (Stephen Colman, n.d.) explains how language transitions work - as you watch this replace language transitions with the word "video transition" and most of it applies: Transitions are a way to communicate a change in time, location or perspective. Basic Transition TypesCut
A simple cut edit between clips typically suggests a change of perspective, from one angle or zoom factor to another. In video, cut before the audience expects it - it will add interest. Cut Away: This can act as a transition to a different scene If you are cutting to a different movement you want it to correspond to previous movement (e.g A and B camera or repeat the movement from the other perspective) Jump Cut: This moves from one shot to another but may overlap time with previous shot for special affect or to have the audience focus on the movement in the scene. These are unnaturally timed cuts which can happen purposefully or accidentally. Dissolve Dissolves are transitions where one scene or object transforms or fades into the next. It goes from one shot to another - similar to a cut but communicates slower change. Special Effects Specialized transition uses various effects to achieve movement from one element/scene to the next. This is not one transition but represents all other kinds of transitions. Use these kind of transitions judiciously otherwise it quickly turns into glitzomania; special affects for the sake special affects. meaning of TransitionsEach type of transition has its own grammar and meaning.
Transitions should communicate clearly and effectively the storyline. Transitional effects communicate the state of action before, after or during the transition (Scott, 2006):
Consider how the following video transition takes the viewer from a mountain stream to a household tap - connecting the two ideas together: |
PURPOSEThe transition from one clip to the next creates a tone and pace that adds to the storyline. Transitions can be used to define the end and beginning of segments and complement the tone of the presentation. The transition should mean something to the storyline. Each transition should fulfill two important purposes:
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References
Colman, S. (n.d.). Writing: transitions. Tune in to Learning. [Web site] Retrieved from http://www.tv411.org/writing/grammar/video-transitions
Scott, Bill. (2006). Mind hacking visual transitions. Looks Good Works Well [Blog]. Retrieved from http://looksgoodworkswell.blogspot.ca/2006/03/mind-hacking-visual-transi_114376913301122246.html
Scott, Bill. (2006). Mind hacking visual transitions. Looks Good Works Well [Blog]. Retrieved from http://looksgoodworkswell.blogspot.ca/2006/03/mind-hacking-visual-transi_114376913301122246.html