'Waterfall' between scenes

Mile Bozicevic

Mile Bozicevic

Well-known member
I'm not sure what's the proper terminology. I was taught it's called 'waterfall'. For example, this could be called a waterfall:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA6HYvaXdHU

Anyway, 'that thing when scenes are flowing and are enjoyable to watch', where it usually refers to emotional state of a character. Say, in scene A end dialogue line is character swearing, and in scene B first line of dialogue is some other character on the other side of the town/planet, also swearing. I'm explaining this really bad, but I think you know what I'm refering to.

First question would be - what's the proper name for that? XD

Second question - when writing, I believe script should have 'waterfalls' concerning emotional charges and strong actions. Sometimes the opposute does equally good, or even better. Are you concerned about this when writing? Or do you let director choose how to play with it?
 
Hmm, I've heard that referred to - and use it as - a MATCH CUT. Character A in one location screams, and then the film cuts to Character B in another location screaming. In your You Tube example, the first 'match' is inferred (thankfully).


EXT. GRAND CANYON - DAY

A jubliant Pedro stands at the edge of a cliff and screams, fists held high.

MATCH-CUT

EXT. GREAT WALL, CHINA - DAY

An angry Ming stands at the edge and screams, fists held high.


Like that??

a
 
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Not exactly. MATCH CUT is more of a visual. (I guess what I linked IS a MATCH CUT. Bad example.)

What I'm referring to is a transition with emotional resonance, keeping the tone flowing and thus seamlessly transitioning between scenes. Note I used this in soap opera writing, so maybe it doesn't work in film.

For example...


/
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
Jenny rips the envelope from her father.

JENNY
''Dear Jenny.''

She smiles happily. Her excitement grows as she reads the rest of the letter.

JENNY
''Due to lack of faith, my life has lost any meaning. I want to be happy in afterlife. I know you'll understand. Love, dad.''

Jenny's face is frozen in emotional shock. A sound of explosion followed by mad screaming.



INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Mary is shockingly looking at the projector screen in a darkened room. It's an amateur video tape, portraying an aftermath of a suicide bomber within a mall.

MARY
Stop. Please, just stop.

Lights turn on. Mary, MAN#1 ,MAN#2 and SOMEONE IMPORTANT are completely silent. Sound of projection is muted, but video is still running. Mary bursts, on the verge of tears.

MARY
Turn it off goddammit!

SOMEONE IMPORTANT
How the hell could he sneak a C4 in that building? I want answers! Now!

/

Usually, I would try to transfer love scene - to love scene. Or break up scene to 'something negative' scene that is similar within context. Or action scene-action scene. Not always but basically the point was to transfer between locations and characters in a smooth way. Maybe 'waterfall' doesn't exist, but I was told to pay extreme attention to transition between scenes - emotionally/tonally, not just visually. And of course, doing the opposite sometimes works great. (loss of something/winning something)
 
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