This document discusses various editing techniques used in filmmaking. It explains that most films use continuity editing to seamlessly move the story along and immerse viewers. Editing aims to create identification with characters, introduce conflict, and intensify drama. Cuts between shots create meaning rather than just removing material. Editing pace and techniques like match cuts, jump cuts, cross-cuts, cutaways, and reaction shots are used to guide audience reaction. Transitions like fades, dissolves, and wipes can also link scenes or create dramatic effects. Editing ultimately shapes the narrative structure of a film through techniques that subtly guide viewer perception.

1. AS Media: Editing
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AS Media
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 characters)
 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 often works through the of differentshots to create meaning.
EditingPace:
 This is the speed and tempo of the cuts – slow can suggest
emotion and fast can suggesttension, action or uncontrollable
events.
 This is the first mostobvious thing to look for as it gives an
insight into the tempo and feelof the sequence.
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. It is the most basic tool of the editor. Editing trims the
footage down but also helps to create/ maintain the logic of a start,
middle and end (narrative).

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Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.
Matchon action:
 Is where the editor cuts from one shot to another view that
matches the first shot’s action, cutting on action gives the
impressionof continuous time when watching the edited film.
By having a subjectbegin an action in one shot and carry it
through to completionin the next, the editorcreates a visual
bridge,which distracts the viewer from noticing any slight
continuity error between the two shots.
Jump cut:
 An abrupt switch from one scene to another, used 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 differentlocations.
Cutaway
 This is when 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
 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:

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Fade
 A transition to or from a blank screen(normally black)
Dissolve
 A slow transition as one image merges into another.
Both are used to suggestdifferencesin time or place. A dissolve
might also suggesta strong connectionbetween the two scenes
involved.
Wipe
 An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the
screenfor dramatic effect.
Superimposition
 Two or more images placed directly on top of one another.
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.
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 effectto the film.
Montage:
 A series of shots that are connected together to reinforce/create
meaning – intensifies and controls the emotionthrough
collection.
Long take:
 This is a shot that does not cut away but ‘lingers’ on one piece
of the action. It is the equivalent of staring – connotes intensity.