problem solved

While I can't give you the specifics for the software you're using, the approach I'd take is this:

Start with a cross-dissolve from a black still to the footage you want to fade to. Then, on a track above the cross-dissolve, do a zoom-in on a black frame with a transparent circular opening (easy to do in Photoshop) to where the transparent opening gets larger as the cross-dissolve progresses, so the transparent opening progressively reveals more of the cross-dissolving footage. Jack with the blur settings and opacity on the circular frame track so you don't get a sharp edge to the transparent opening as it gets larger.

Regards;
Martin

In FCP use an "Oval Iris"

Effects > Video Transitions > Iris > Oval Iris

The default is round.

Click Feather Edges and slide the Border control to increase the softness.



I know it's tempting to just ask here - particularly when you're in a hurry or need help quickly - but it's also nice to honor the immense amount of work that the the FCP team put into the physical manuals that come with the program. There are sections on Transition, Wipe, etc. Lots of extremely useful info there.

Thanks martin. Problem solved.