Lesson 12

[Ed Lusk]

Subject: Ed Lusk, Dramatic Scene Transitions

What I learned doing this assignments is: not every transition requires a “trick” as the lesson notes a simple FLOW works fine. I did learn there are opportunities for using the other types of transitions improves the read significantly. I will keep in mind the 70%-80% Flow and 20%-30% other transitions as a guide for determining transition application. I did not know that.

ORIGINAL SCENES – FLOW TRANSITION

INT. MUSEUM – DAY

The two men hustle along the double helix staircase lined with statues and artwork acquired over the centuries.

Down and down they go. Footsteps echo off of the marble.

The light diminishing. Merchant tries to take the artwork in while keeping pace with nimble Collini racing down the stairs.

COLLINI

Are you a football fan?

MERCHANT

A little. I played in prep school. My mother…she enjoyed watching me more than I did playing it.

COLLINI

Tragic what became of your mother. This way.

Merchant pauses at a framed sketch hanging on the wall.

MERCHANT

Isn’t that Saint Jerome?

COLLINI

Yes, Da Vinci, very nice. Come along Father Merchant you’re not a tourist here today.

They exit the staircase into a darkened hallway. Not much to see other than a plain stainless steel door.

Collini unlocks it with one of the many keys.

INT. MUSEUM – VESTIBULE

A small lobby and a modern elevator door. Above the door, carved into the stone, Merchant reads aloud then translates.

MERCHANT

Institutum Pontificum Studiorum Occulti. The Pontifical Institute of Occult Studies?

COLLINI

Prepare yourself accordingly, Father Merchant, everything you think you know is about to be unsettled.

The elevator door splits open, Collini, invites Merchant to enter first. He crosses the threshold. The door closes quietly behind them.

# 2 WITH NEW TRANSITION – SHOCK/REVEAL

INT. MUSEUM – DAY

Merchant hurries ahead down the double helix staircase lined with statues and artwork acquired over the centuries.

The light diminishes. Over the clacking a footsteps a faint scream is heard from somewhere down below.

Merchant stops. Listens closely for validation he actually heard that.

Collini to catch up. His kind face show no signs of concern.

COLLINI

Are you a football fan?

MERCHANT

A little. I played in prep school. My mother…she enjoyed watching me more than I did playing it. Did you hear that?

COLLINI

Tragic what became of your mother. This way.

They move on. Merchant pauses at a framed sketch, more a pause for alarm, than interest.

MERCHANT

Isn’t that Saint Jerome?

COLLINI

Yes, Da Vinci, very nice. Come along Father Merchant you’re not a tourist here today.

MERCHANT

Why am I here?

COLLINI

Prepare yourself accordingly, Father Merchant, everything you think you know is about to be unsettled.

They exit the staircase into a darkened hallway. The sheen of stainless steel elevator door the only source of light.

Collini presses the only button – DOWN.

COLLINI

Your destiny, Father Merchant.

INT. ELEVATOR

MERCHANT

I don’t understand any of this?

COLLINI

You are a man of science, correct? Understanding comes with knowledge, knowledge you have not yet gained. Have faith Father.

The door opens. Collini motions – after you.

INT. MUSEUM – VESTIBULE

A small lobby. Dim, ancient. On the wall carved into the stone, Merchant reads aloud.

MERCHANT

Institutum Pontificum Studiorum Occulti. The Pontifical Institute of Occult Studies.

The door closes behind them with a CLUNK.