What is a dissolve in film editing?

A dissolve in film editing refers to a technique where one shot gradually fades out while simultaneously, another shot fades in, resulting in a seamless transition between the two. This type of transition is particularly effective for conveying the passage of time, changes in location, or emotional shifts in a narrative. It gives the viewer a sense of continuity between the two scenes or moments depicted, enhancing the storytelling experience.

The other options describe different editing techniques. A quick cut transition typically involves a sudden change from one shot to another, creating a jarring effect as opposed to the smooth blending of a dissolve. A split-screen technique is used to display two or more images simultaneously on the screen, which can emphasize parallel actions or themes but does not involve any fading effect. A sound transition generally refers to an audio editing technique where sound from one scene overlaps or fades into the next, but does not pertain directly to visual editing. The defining characteristic of a dissolve is its unique blending of images, which sets it apart from these other methods.