Editing sequence analysis

1. BTEC Diploma in Creative Media Production Editing Techniques
Page 1
Produce a blog post/Prezi analysing one 5-10 minute extract from a media text of your choice (this
must be available on YouTube/elsewhere on the internet or uploaded to your blog). The Prezi/post
must identify, define and explain the use of the following editing techniques.
You could produce this work as written text, director’s commentary (using extracts cut onto a
Premiere Pro. timeline) or you can use YouTube’s annotation facility. You must also include the
written introduction on the history and development of editing.
Written introduction – what is editing: history and development
 Combining shots into sequences; in-camera editing; digital filmmaking vs film (& splicing)
 Transitions, e.g., cut, dissolve, fade, wipe.
Visual analysis - find examples of the following techniques in your extract.
Give the timecode, state what the technique is, then explain what it is used for, and finally its
impact/effect on the audience in this extract.
e.g. “At 2.04 there is a match on action. This is a technique where an action begins in one shot and
ends in the next. It helps ‘carry’ the viewer across the potential disjunction of the edit. In this extract
it helps us see whose pocket the gun has come out of”.
-Continuity
A system has developed, called the continuity system, which helps the audience to understand the
relationship of shot to shot, and creates a ‘seamless’ effect allowing us to follow the action without
becoming aware of the constructed nature of the text. It consists of:
 establishing shots
 180° rule
 shot-reverse-shot
 match cuts on action
 motivated editing e.g., eyeline match-cuts
-Identification with main protagonist or other characters which is vital if the audience
are going to be involved. This involves use of:
 Screen time
 close-ups
 point of view shot
 reaction shot

2. BTEC Diploma in Creative Media Production Editing Techniques
Page 2
Written final section and conclusion: generating appropriate involvement in the storyline, pace,
tension and suspense.
The audience will only be interested in the main protagonist if interesting things happen to them!
The construction of the storyline, and the generation of suspense and excitement is vital to this.
Here are some editing techniques that do this.
You may or may not be able to find examples of the following techniques in your chosen extract; if
you can, you should include this in the analysis, however, if you can’t, you should write about them
(and any other you missed from above). You can relate them to other texts you have seen if you
wish, and add still images.
 shot variation
 montage
 providing and withholding information
 parallel editing/cross-cutting
 editing rhythm
 cutting to soundtrack
 multiple points of view
 cutaways
 jump-cut
 Construction of the ‘time’ and ‘space’ of
the story, both diegetically and implied