Transition from one clip into 2 or more split screen clips...

I want to go from a single screen clip in to 2 clips (split screen) but I'm having trouble making the transition smooth. For example there will be a blackout on screen before going in to the next clip even though the next clips are pressed right against the previous. Or the transition will continue in to the next split screen clip but only on one side ?

Is there something simple I'm missing here ?

You're trying to shrink a clip, and bring in a second clip to show next to it? Can you show a screen shot of your final result that you are trying to achieve?

Should be some templates that will do that. I have a few I've made myself.