Helpful definitions of video editing techniques.

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(with character)
 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:
How quick the shot cuts to the next shot or alternatively how quick is the cut
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: simple transition of shot from one to another, alternatively it can be used
in editing to create meaning/feeling within the film/video.
Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.
Match on action: Match on action consist of cutting from one shot to another view
that matches the first shot action. This not only helps the audience understand the
surroundings (of where the film takes) but helps the film flow better in.

2. 2
Jump cut:
An abrupt switch from one scene to another, used to make a dramatic point or mark a
period of time passing. No attempted to match up the action/scene.
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
A cutaway shot is the interruption of a continuously filmed action by adding/putting a
view of something else. The cutaway cut is a video scene that cuts away to relevant
images or footage, often used in documentaries or in film when a vital piece of
information is needed to show the audience and usually the dialogue or voice over will
continue during the cutaway (to keep it continuous).
Reaction shot: A reaction shot/cut which cuts away from the main scene in order to
show the reaction of the character.
Matched Cutor Graphic Cut
Is a cut between either two different objects, two different spaces, or two different
compositions in which an object in the two shots graphically match, often helping to
establish strong relationship between two scenes. Is where the editor cuts from one shot
to another view that matches the first shot’s action, cutting on action gives the
impression of continuous time when watching the edited film.
Other forms of transition are also possible:
Fade:
Is a transition effect where the image slowly disappears into black or white, alternatively
emerges from black or white.
Dissolve
A slow transition as one image merges into another.
Both are used to suggest: To make the transition of the shots & footage smoother
within the sequence. Or a slow transition as one image merges into another. Both are
used to suggest differences in time or place. A dissolve might also suggest a strong
connection between the two scenes involved.
Wipe
An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for
dramatic effect.

3. 3
Superimposition:
Superimposition is when two or more image are placed over each other in the frame.
This effect can be accomplished by exposing the same piece of film more than once as
we see with double exposure. In narrative film, superimposition is often used for dissolve
shots.
Montage:
Is an editing technique in which shots are juxtaposed in an often fast-paced fashion that
compresses time and conveys a lot of information in a relatively short period.
Slow-motion:
Is an effect in film-making whereby time appears to be slowed down. This transition can
be used to intensify tension.
Long take:
In filmmaking, a long take is a shot lasting much longer than the conventional editing
pace either of the film itself or of films in general
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.