not3s on editing

1. 1
Film Language:Editing
Most films use a system of editing known as Continuity editing. Its
sole aim is to get the story moving along and get the audience
completelyimmersed inthe plot and characters.
In drama sequences,the purpose of editing is often:
 Identification
 Conflict
 Intensification
The function of this system is to make the drama as fluid as possible,
so that the audience are not aware of the construction process
therefore,you need to be especiallyaware to spotthe techniques of
editing employed during a textual analysis. Rememberalso that
sometimessound is used to ‘bridge’the cut and make it less
noticeable on screen.
The process of editing is more concerned with the ‘creation’ of
meaning rather than the taking away of material.
Editing Pace:
The speed at the tempo of the cuts, if it’s slow it can suggestemotion
and if it’s fast it can suggesttension. This is obvious to us as it’s the
first thing we notice.
Editing often works through the juxtaposition of differentshots to
create meaning.
There are a huge number of editing techniques which filmmakers can
employ.
The most commonof these is the cut.
The cut is a change of shot from one viewpoint or location to another.
Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.

2. 2
Match on action:
This is where the editor cuts from one shot to another view that
matches the first shots action, cutting on action gives the impression
of continuous time when watching the edited film.
Jump cut:
An abrupt switch from one scene to another, use to make a dramatic
point, or mark a period of time passing.
Cross-cut
A cut from one narrative or line of action to another. Mostly used in
films to establish action occurring at the same time in two different
locations.
Cutaway
This is a when a the shot ‘cuts away’ to often a reaction shot of
another character or piece of action, often reinforces a mood of
togetherness or confrontation.
Reaction shot
The reaction shot is any shot in which a participant reacts to
events/action. Often used to guide the audiences reaction to a scene.
Matched Cutor Graphic Cut
Is a cut between either two differentobjects,two differentspaces,or
two differentcompositions in which an objectin the two shots
graphically match, oftenhelping to establish strong relationship
between two scenes.
Other forms of transition are also possible:
Fade
A transition to or from a blank screen
Dissolve
A slow transition as one image merges into another.
Both are used to suggestdifferencesin time or place.
Wipe
An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for
dramatic effect.

3. 3
Superimposition
Two or more images placed directly on top of one another.
Montage:
A series of shots that are connected togetherto reinforce/create
meaning.
Slow-motion:
When the action slows down with the text.
Long take:
This is a shot that does not cut away but “lingers” on one piece of
action.
Split screen
Division of screen in order to show two or more lines of action
simultaneously – this can be referred to as parallelaction.
Effects are also added as part of the editing process– eg; slow
motion or fast motion.