EXAMPLE SCENE
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V for Vendetta uses a wipe track between V's underground base and Evey's bedroom. This is achieved by the camera moving from a shot of V's room past a dark edge within the foreground - wiping the image to black. This shot is then reversed in Evey's room (i.e. from a black edge to an open shot of Evey by a mirror). The dark edges of both shots can then be used as a cut away. When edited together, the camera appears to track from one room to the other without a visible edit (see clip below).
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EXECUTION .
A wipe track requires two locations, a dolly, some track and a dark edge for the camera to wipe past.
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* Please note, in the above example I've used the set wall as an edge to make a wipe cut. However, you can use anything dark for a wipe track such as the back of a TV, a cupboard, tree trunk or building wall. The most important point is that you use a dark edge in the foreground to wipe the screen to black.
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THE EFFECT
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The wipe track creates a fluid passage between scenes making it feel more polished and uninterrupted. Where as a cut acts like a full stop between two scenes, the wipe track acts like a comma (creating a more subtle blend). Its most common use is to keep the visual energy moving from one scene to the next.
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It also helps to merge a number of scenes together into a more cohesive form (known as a sequence). The wipe track makes it feel as though the scenes are interconnected as part of a greater whole (known as synergy). This interconnection of scenes, when combined, produces a dramatic effect that is greater than the sum of its parts. Below are two examples of this synergy:
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Dramatic Energy A series of scenes are moving toward a dramatic conclusion. To maintain the emotional build-up, wipe tracks are used to transition from one scene to the next.
This helps to overlap the emotional energy, building it toward a dramatic climax.
Rising Tension As the pressure begins to rise over a number of scenes, it can be detrimental to use
a cut as it inhibits the rising tension. In these moments the wipe track serves as a
continuous drive of energy, helping to build the tension without a respite.
EXAMPLE 2
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In another scene of 'V for Vendetta', we see V making an impassioned speech to the British public. His dialogue takes place over a number of scenes - every shot moving from left to right creating a sense of purpose and direction. This singular motion helps to visually bolster V's speech as he insists to his audience that they be single minded in their resolve and make a stand and for their freedom'.
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His dialogue underpins the whole sequence, joining the scenes together as a single statement. In this case the directors has chosen to punctuate this synergy by using a mixture of match cuts and wipe tracks to maintain a graphic continuity. In effect, the dramatic energy builds and builds in what appears as one smooth, uninterrupted plea that strikes the heart of his audience.
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* A match cut is an edit made between two different objects, spaces, or compositions in which the object in the two shots graphically match, often helping to establish a strong continuity of action.
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Thanks for reading.
