Different types of transitions.

Cut

"Cut" is the most common transition — it's an instant change from one shot to the next. Many music videos, especially the vast I have researched in this genre amongst others, possess "cut" shots. We will be featuring numerous "cut" shots within our music video as it's the most common, simplistic shot to use - many music videos/films use this transition. The raw footage from the camera contains "cuts" between shots where you stop and start recording (unless built in transitions are used, of course.)

Wipe

One shot is progressively replaced by another shot in a  pattern. There are many types of wipe, from straight lines to different shapes.Wipes often have a coloured border to help distinguish the shots during the transition.Wipes are a fantastic way to show changing location and this is, amongst others, one shot which we hope to incorporate into our music video. We've seen music videos featuring JLS which have "wipe" shots present so we hope to replicate their style. 

Mix / Dissolve / Crossfade

These are all terms to describe the same transition — it's where there's a gradual fade from one shot to the next. Crossfades have a more relaxed feel than a cut and are useful if you want to create a meandering pace, or tranquil mood. Scenery sequences work well with crossfades and they can also convey a sense of passing time or changing location. i.e one shot of an individual walking from point A to B - it creates a nice atmosphere for the audience.

Fade

"Fades" essentially turn the shot into a single colour, usually black or white. The "fade to black" and "fade from black"  usually signal the beginning and/or end of a music video. They're used between shots to create a sort of crossfade which fades quickly to white before fading to the next shot. They are very effective in the sense that they present the audience with ambiguity and they're left anticipating what's to come.