Screenwriters and editors love to create seamless transitions, and this is one of their favorite tricks.
Filmmakers have a vast array of tools at their disposal when it comes to formatting cuts, shots, and transitions. One such tool, the pre-lap, is a transition that has been used by countless filmmakers, from Sam Raimi to Edgar Wright to Christopher Nolan. Despite its prevalence, the pre-lap is often overlooked.
However, Pentex Productions analyzed the use of this transition in films in his video, which breaks down the editing tool and how it can be used to create humor, tension, emphasize themes, progress the story, and develop characters. As a screenwriter, understanding the various editing techniques available to you is crucial to crafting a compelling and engaging story.
Check out his video below, then keep reading to see what we think you need to know about pre-laps and how screenwriters can format them in their screenplays.
Author: Alyssa Miller
This article comes from No Film School and can be read on the original site.
