Saturday, July 16, 2011

Using Dissolve in Your Video Script

A dissolve is a transition technique used in film and video. But unlike a cut, which is an instantaneous jump from one shot to another, a dissolve is slower -- the shot dissolves away as a new shot dissolves in.

But when would you use dissolve instead of cut?

Here’s an example. You’re hired to write a promotional video for a beachfront resort. The owner wants to show that his resort offers both fun activities and relaxation.

In your video script, you want to include a section to emphasize the relaxation aspects of the resort.

You might start with a shot of a guest reading a book while she’s comfortably stretched out on a chair. DISSOLVE TO: a man on an inflatable water mattress drifting lazily in the resort’s swimming pool. DISSOLVE TO: a young couple lying on beach towels as they soak up the sun.

A dissolve can impact both the tempo and mood of a video, almost on a subliminal level. By using this transition technique instead of a cut, the dissolve supports the relaxation-focused visuals.

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