What is lap dissolve transition in filmmaking? It is one of the oldest editing transitions in film. Originally, it was achieved by overlapping the exposure of one frame of the movie from shot to shot akin to a double exposure in photography. You will also learn about the use of the effect in this post from MiniTool MovieMaker (a free movie maker).
What Is Lap Dissolve in Filmmaking?
In filmmaking, there are different types of editing transitions. To differentiate the lap dissolve from any other transition, let’s look at the lap dissolve film definition first.
What Is Lap Dissolve Transition?
A lap dissolve, also known as a dissolve, is a gradual transition where one shot fades out as the next one fades in. The two shots overlap for a brief moment when a lap dissolve is used. The way filmmakers use the moment of overlap between two images can affect how viewers perceive the transition. Also, this allows viewers to make and feel a connection between the two shots.
What Are the Types of Lap Dissolves?
Dissolves are a transition technique that can be used in a couple of ways depending on which shots are being used.
Match Dissolve
A match dissolve works in a similar way to a match cut yet with a gradual transition. The match dissolve utilizes the composition of a shot to match with the composition of another shot.
When the dissolve transitions from the first shot to the second one, the similar compositions produce a match dissolve.
Fade In
When a dissolve is used to make a transition from a black screen, it is called a fade in. These kinds of dissolves are usually used at the start of a film or scene.
Fade Out
When a dissolve is used to make a transition from one shot to a black screen, it is called a fade out. Fade outs are used in the last shot of a movie or the last shot of a scene.
What Is Lap Dissolve Used for?
There are a number of reasons why filmmakers use dissolves. The gradual transition that one dissolve shot visually achieves lets filmmakers express different things to viewers depending on the way they use it.
The dissolve shot is one of the most challenging transitions to achieve. But if done with care and creativity, it can be quite effective.
Jump in Place or Time
A dissolve can be used to convey a jump in place or time. Lap dissolves enable a gradual transition to a different place or time.
Transition into a Dream
Like jumping to a different place or time, a dissolve can also convey a transition to a dream state. This is usually shown by transitioning from one shot of a character asleep to the first shot of his or her dream or vice versa.
Create Meaning from Two Images
The juxtaposition of two overlapping shots can create new meaning for the audience that an easy cut would not have. Filmmakers utilize lap dissolves to visually communicate to the viewer.
In addition, MiniTool MovieMaker allows you to apply multiple visual effects to different scenes, like black in, black out, white in, white out, shake, fuzzy, sparkle, and more.
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Conclusion
What is lap dissolve? It has been described as outdated as one of the original editing transitions in cinema. But if used with intention, it can be an extremely effective filmmaking tip that can communicate meaning visually. Consider utilizing the lap dissolve if you’re ever having difficulty transitioning from shot to shot or scene to scene.
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About The Author
Position: Columnist
Jocelin is keeping a strong passion for the multimedia industry with her first thoughts and visions. While continuously absorbing relevant knowledge, she believes that pictures, videos, and music can bring so much pleasure to life. To go deeper into the industry, she has acquired many skills in video editing. Also, she can provide readers with ways to solve problems on image, video, and auido topics.