Hinge technique
The hinge technique, defined by Richards,1 is a technique used to create a developing idea.
It is used in approximately 25% of developing themes in film music.1
The gist is that you use the second half of your first basic idea to start the first half of your second basic idea.
Examples
Star Wars: Main Theme
The quintessential example (in my opinion) is the main theme to Star Wars.
Legend of Zelda Main Theme
