This is something that I've been thinking about over the last few days. A good scene transition should flow well. Here's some examples from my own work. They're simplified, cutting out description and such.
INT. SHOP - DAY
This is a good example because we join the scene while Hannon and Nix are in mid-conversation. It creates a sense of realism and takes you right into the story. It also flows well as the two previous characters enter - we know where and when we are.
The next example isn't so much a scene change but there is a transition to speak of:
1) Exposition - I needed to explain more about the world my characters are living in and its state - hence the mention of the Americans in my zombie story.
2) Character development - from this transition, we know that Remy is a bit of a sexist pig (although he is joking, so is he really?) and that Loki is a thick-skinned jerk.
I think the transition works for one simple reason. I have a character comment on how women never shut up, then cut to a conversation where the man won't shut up. Just a bit of comedic irony to keep the audience smiling.
Here's another example that helps the scenes flow together well. It also lets the audience know exactly where and when each character is:
Tonya sees the Slayers moving slowly across the street below and bangs on the window. Then she sees a table across the room.
EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY
The Slayers creep across the road. Suddenly there's a loud CRASH as a table smashes out of the window above.
A common scene transition in television is to use a voiceover leading into the next scene. Let's say your characters have just said something and are now pondering on that thought. Then the sound of the next scene starts as we hang on the previous moment. We get audio before visual. Like so:
Jack and John stare at each other, contemplating.
Jill and Ben sit at opposite ends of the bed.
These are just a few examples of what I think are good scene transitions. I don't think people think about them enough, but the way you move through your story is very important - get that wrong and the flow of the script can be lost. Think about it.
Happy writing!
LOKILoki and Rider stand up and head inside.
You coming?
INT. SHOP - DAY
NIX
What is it with you and that amulet, Hannon?
HANNONLoki and Rider walk into the shop.
It's Captain by the way (more dialogue)
This is a good example because we join the scene while Hannon and Nix are in mid-conversation. It creates a sense of realism and takes you right into the story. It also flows well as the two previous characters enter - we know where and when we are.
The next example isn't so much a scene change but there is a transition to speak of:
REMYAt the back of the group, Loki and Nix are in deep conversation, but it's a little one-sided.
You know I wouldn't, Alex. Must be that woman's instinct thing. You know how they are; all emotions and feelings. And you can never get them to shut up.
LOKINix has a desperate 'heard it all before' look stretched across her face but Loki doesn't notice.
All I'm saying is if the fucking Yanks can't beat these bastards down, what chance do we have?
LOKI (CONT'D)This transition has two purposes:
It's been what...over a year since we lost contact with 'em? I mean, when are they going to charge in all guns blazing?
1) Exposition - I needed to explain more about the world my characters are living in and its state - hence the mention of the Americans in my zombie story.
2) Character development - from this transition, we know that Remy is a bit of a sexist pig (although he is joking, so is he really?) and that Loki is a thick-skinned jerk.
I think the transition works for one simple reason. I have a character comment on how women never shut up, then cut to a conversation where the man won't shut up. Just a bit of comedic irony to keep the audience smiling.
Here's another example that helps the scenes flow together well. It also lets the audience know exactly where and when each character is:
Tonya sees the Slayers moving slowly across the street below and bangs on the window. Then she sees a table across the room.
EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY
The Slayers creep across the road. Suddenly there's a loud CRASH as a table smashes out of the window above.
A common scene transition in television is to use a voiceover leading into the next scene. Let's say your characters have just said something and are now pondering on that thought. Then the sound of the next scene starts as we hang on the previous moment. We get audio before visual. Like so:
Jack and John stare at each other, contemplating.
JILL (VO)INT. BEDROOM - DAY
We're doomed.
Jill and Ben sit at opposite ends of the bed.
BEN
What do you mean we're doomed?
JILLSee what I mean? A little transition to do several things - keep the audience gripped, not have too many long silences and cut time down while not skimping on the contemplating moment.
Like I say.
These are just a few examples of what I think are good scene transitions. I don't think people think about them enough, but the way you move through your story is very important - get that wrong and the flow of the script can be lost. Think about it.
Happy writing!
3 comments:
Interesting...
Can't say I've ever thought too much about the scene transitions...
I will definitely be considering them carefully from now on!
Yes, very nice! Good example of a character talking while still on the previous scene. I always wondered how that would work!
Splinter - it's strange how that workds well in TV but a big taboo in films! Maybe it's allowed in TV because of time constraints? Either way, think it's a good way to move between scenes. Thanks for the comment.
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