What is a wipe transition in film used for dramatic effect?
Learn more about when and how to use a wipe transition to create a focused, dramatic transition. Improve storytelling and pacing with the right editing tools.
Wipe from one scene to the next.
Often used in cartoons and older films, the wipe transition clarifies that the location or time is about to change. This transition can capture your audience’s attention and create excitement for what’s next as it comes from different directions with various shapes.
What is a wipe transition by definition?
A wipe is one of the most recognizable video transitions where one shot replaces another shot through a wiping effect. It could be a wipe from one side of the screen to the other, from both sides of the screen to the middle, or even in a shape. They can be horizontal, vertical, or take on a circular shape. This transition indicates a change in location, time, or subject matter.
Planning and shooting video is a naturally fun and creative process. Editing can be, too. And a lot of drama can lie in your transition edits. A wipe transition is just one of many tools used in post-production to create a seamless flow from one scene to another.
The wipe transition first appeared in Robert Paul’s 1901 film Scrooge, when a horizontal line was wiped from top to bottom, imitating a curtain. Since then, iconic films like the Star Wars franchise have used the wipe transition to switch between multiple storylines taking place in different locations.
What is a wipe in film used for?
A wipe transition can shift the mood or tone of your film in seconds. The following are some examples of how a wipe transition can emphasize a change of scenery.
1. Add tension. A quick wipe can build suspense for the upcoming scene.
2. Indicate a shift in power dynamics. A wipe where the new scene overtakes the previous one with an aggressive motion could show a shift in control.
3. Create a playful mood. A wipe in a unique pattern, like a heart, can add a whimsical feel to a scene.
While you can use many different transitions in your film editing, the wipe is better to use rather than the fade in transition or dissolve transition when you want to add more stylistic flair to your change of scene or clearly indicate a change in location or time passage. Using the wipe transition in combination with certain video effects creates a more cohesive story and can add to the mood of each scene.
Exploring different types of wipe transitions.
Each type of wipe transition has a varying effect. The following are some wipe transitions you’ll want to consider for your filmmaking:
1. Iris wipe. This is a circular transition that opens or closes to reveal or conceal the next scene. It can indicate the end of a story or place the focus on a certain point in a shot.
2. Star wipe. A star wipe takes the shape of a growing or shrinking star. They can add a more playful feel to your scenes. The unique, whimsical shape draws more attention to the change of scene.
3. Clock wipe. This transition sweeps in the motion of a clock. It’s used to indicate a passage of time or a change in location between scenes. The sweeping motion of a clock’s hands creates a sense that time is moving forward with this transition between shots.
4. Matrix wipe. The matrix wipe is a patterned transition between two shots that mimics the digital code aesthetic of the Matrix movies. It works well in films with a futuristic or technological theme.
5. Natural wipe. This wipe transition uses a character or object in the scene to create the transition.
Now that you know the different kinds of wipe transitions you can add to your film, let’s explore how to add them in Adobe Premiere Pro.
How to create a wipe transition in Premiere Pro.
You’ll need two identical clips where one is slightly modified:
1. Click and drag the second clip above the first one to stack them on top of each other.
2. Move your timeline slider to the point where you want your wipe effect to begin, then collapse the top clip to that location.
3. Under the Effects Panel, choose Wipe, and add the effect to the start of the top clip.
4. To increase the speed of the wipe effect, click and drag the wipe to make it shorter or longer. To add a line separator, click the Wipe effect, go to the Effect Controls Panel, and adjust the border width until it’s the size you want.
Once your transition is complete, save your work. Editing other types of cuts in film is just as simple with Premiere Pro.
Wipe transition example: The iris wipe.
An iris wipe can signify the end of the story, as in the popular Looney Tunes cartoons. It can also help draw attention to a focal point in the shot. This technique is great for transitioning perspectives, such as from a close-up shot to a wide shot or vice versa.
Classic cartoons make use of this transition, as do older films — adding it to your video can give it a retro feel.
Most video editing software has transition effect capabilities. As you’re editing your videos, see where an iris wipe might add a nice effect — to draw attention to something in your shot, to foreshadow, to change angles, or to close out the narrative.
Using the wipe transition in film effectively.
The wipe transition is a great tool for your video transition toolkit. To ensure its purpose and impact, follow these best practices.
- Use wipes sparingly. Excessively using wipes can distract your audience from the plot of the film. Consider using video filters to enhance the visual tone without relying on excessive transitions.
- Ensure all transitions work together. Applying mismatched transitions that don’t suit the film’s tone can confuse viewers.
- Align wipes with motion. Make sure to align wipes with motion for a smoother flow.
- Don’t be afraid to remove wipes. Preview your cut with all transitions to ensure the wipe fits the tone.
Wipes are one of many different transitions you can add to your film. In order to get your film to the final cut, having the right tools is essential to help ensure you can successfully transition into your film debut.
Use the wipe transition and more with Premiere Pro.
Wipe transitions are a great way to keep your audience engaged and pivot to your next scene in a unique way. Trying out different transitions and video effects is an essential part of the filmmaking process. To create a film that captures your audience and leaves a lasting impression, you’ll need tools to set the tone.
For professional-grade video editing software, Adobe Premiere Pro has everything you need to transition between scenes, add effects, and more to make your film picture perfect.