1. Editing
Editing is traditionally about continuity editing
Essentially to keep the story moving
The purpose is identification of characters, conflict, intensification
Editing should be fluid, the audience should be aware
Editing pace, speed and tempo of the cuts.
Slow pace can suggest emotion
Fast pace can suggest action
Editing works because it’s juxtaposition (contrast of different shots)
Juxtaposition creates meaning
Cut
The most common editing technique
Trimming the footage/what to show and when
Gives the story a meaning, start middle and end
There’s always a reason for a cut!
Match on action
The action matches in consecutive clips
The way you cut it shows that there has been a seamless move
Makes a visual bridge, caused by the fluidity of the cut
Jump Cut
An abrupt switch from one clip to another
You’re supposed to notice the transition
Sometimes used to show a passage of time
It’s a cut that’s meant to be noticed
2. Cross Cut
Cuts from one narrative or action to another
Usually in completely different locations but happening at the same time
Cut away
Shot cuts away to another
Often cuts to a reaction shot
Reaction cut
Action scene which cuts to someone reacting to it
Often used to guide the audiences reaction to a scene
Matched Cut
A cut between two objects
Help to establish a strong relationship between two scenes
Similar to match on action
Transitions
Fade – A transition to or from a blank screen (normally black)
Dissolve – A slow transition as one image merges into another
Wipe – The shot is wiped away
Superimposition– 2 or more images placed directly on top of each other
3. Montage - A series of shots that are connected together to reinforce and
create meaning intensifies and controls the emotion through collection.
Slow-motion - The action literally slows down with the text, this connotes
seriousness or a past event. Helps to prolong tension, add style, or dramatic
effect of the film
Long take - This is a shot that does not cut away but ‘lingers’ in one piece of
the action.
Split screen - A division of the screen to show two or more shots happening
at once, shows contrast
