The EssentialShowbiz Dictionary™

of Entertainment Industry Terms

Fade In

1 minute read | Last updated: 7 months ago

What does Fade In mean?

Fade In is a film and television editing technique where a scene gradually becomes visible from complete darkness. The “fade in” effect is often used at the beginning of a film, scene, or sequence to smoothly introduce new visuals. This technique can also be used symbolically to represent a transition from night to day, or from one location to another. In screenwriting, “Fade In” is typically the first instruction in a script, indicating the start of the film.

Example:The movie begins with a “fade in” from black to a sunrise over a mountain range, symbolizing the start of a new day.
Example: A scene “fades in” to show a character waking up, helping to transition smoothly from darkness to light.

Did You Know?
The term “Fade In” is one of the most iconic ways to start a screenplay, setting the stage for everything that follows!

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