Smooth Transitions (editing tips 2)

When editing multiple shots into a sequence, a smooth transition from one shot to the next will create a seamless edit, leading the viewer through the idea without drawing attention to the editing. Sometimes the effect of an abrupt, unsettling, or jarring experience may be desired, however, such edits will be more effective if well placed in a sequence of shots tied together with smooth transitions.

A smooth transition can make a cut from one shot to the next practically invisible. Our brains have a tendency to draw relationships between adjacent images, allowing two separate pictures that tie together in a logical (or illogical) way to appear as part of the same image, or part of a whole. The brain wants to put everything we see into a tidy package. If we see a man walking down the street, then a close up of his face as he walks down the street, we perceive two parts of a complete picture, assembling them into one image in our minds. Our focus is drawn to the action, while the differences between the two shots fade into the background of our perception. We simply see the man walking down the street. If the action and direction of the man walking matches from one shot to the next we won't notice the cut.

Our persistence of vision will enable the editor to guide us through the idea, captivated by whatever concept, mood, thoughts, or understanding the editor decides to convey.

A woman reaches for a mug of coffee as the sun rises in a window behind her. Close up of the coffee mug as it is lifted from the table, backlit by the rising sunlight. Close up of her mouth as she sips the coffee, then lowers the mug. Close up as the coffee mug moves down, landing on the table. Wide shot of the woman letting go of the coffee mug and turning to look out the window. A shot of the view through the window, someone walks down the street two stories below. Close ups of the actions happening on the street, etc..

Movement from one shot to the next will tie the shots together. If the subject looks down in one shot, then in the next shot the camera is moving down toward the subject's point of view, the shots will blend together. The timing of the cuts will affect the flow of the action. Matching the action in one shot with the next will preserve the persistence of vision.