Transitioning from one "world" to the next

[Jadotch]

I am currently working on a script for my first indie feature. I need some help transitioning from one world to the next with out it seeming like a new movie.

The scenario:
Two orphans go about there lives in an orphanage. They find out something horrible is going on and they escape. A story line similar to Logans Run or the Island, but closer to reality.

After they escape, I don't want the audience to feel like a new movie has started. What is a good way to make a fluid transition?

Do I make a subplot on the outside to let the audience know full well that there is life outside the orphanage?

Do I make a subplot about other characters in the orphanage to give the audience that transition time?

What are some of the better movies that make a fluid transition like this? And why did it work? I can think of movies that it annoyingly split the movie into 2 (Full Metal Jacket anyone?), but I can think of few that do it sucessfull. Please do not include movies that literally take the viewer and character to another world, like Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, Narnia or the Matrix. Why does it work in these films and not more reality based fiction? Is too much time spent in one world or the other?

 

[vcassel]

I wouldn't add a subplot unless it was to strengthen or reflect the theme somehow. If your theme stays consistent and your characters are engaging and worth following, an audience will follow them anywhere fluidly.

 

[laughingcrows]

...After they escape, I don't want the audience to feel like a new movie has started...

Why it would feel like a new movie? Is there no threat of being captured and taken back? Do they not have to find food and shelter? Are they suddenly having to fend for themselves on the streets? If you don't have any of these scenarios, maybe the escape isn't important enough and should be dropped.

 

[Kess]

It's no different than any journey...you show them escaping then moving along in the new environment they encounter as they go. Slumdog Millionaire...actualy any road movie...Stand By Me - they leave the town and enter the surrounding area.

 

[bbinnard]

How about shooting the first part with muted/altered colors. Then switch to normal after the escape.

 

[Jadotch]

Yes there is a threat of them being captured.

Looking over stuff, I was thinking of spending too much time at the orphanage. I still want to spend time there, to show that they do not know what the "real world" is like. Almost the first half of the script was at the orphanage. I think I am going to try and cut it back.I think it felt like 2 films because the first half was exploring the characters, while the second was the escape and pursuit.

As for the color, I was planning on doing it in black and white. It is set "in the near future" which is actually going to be a mixture of eras and technologies, trying to give it a timeless feel. Much like Pi or Sin City. The orphanage is going to be brighter, while the worldis going to be darker.