2. + Provide a simple definition of what film editing is
ďŽ Film editing is the process of merging shots to create a
sequence. Editing is used differently in every film. Some forms
of editing are used to create different meaning and others are
used to tell a story.
3. + Can you list some examples of early film editing? Think
about the different ways that film makers could combine
shots using the technology of the time. Include
weblinks/images where necessary
ďŽ Film editing started in the late 1800âs with experimentation from people like
George Melies and Edwin S. Porter. When creating a film, the film makers
would cut the shots within the camera, by stopping cranking at the end of the
shot, and would move props/people, and then start cranking again for the next
shot. This was seen in films such as Life of an American Fireman (1903) and
The Great Train Robbery (1903). Also, a lot of films were edited through the
film makers physically cutting the pieces of film and sticking them back
together. This was used for a long time until digital editing came around.
4. + Describe the concept of âmontageâ and juxtaposition
[remember Eisenstein and Kuleshov] and give an
example
ďŽ The concept âmontageâ is used within editing which is putting shots together
which move the theme of the film forward as well as the action. This was
created by Sergei Eisenstein to create new meanings within the film. This could
be shown in a film where there is a new storyline developing, which would be
classed as âmontageâ, as it is moving the theme of the film along. Juxtaposition
is used within film to create different meaning through shots being placed in a
certain order. Lev Kuleshov discovered this when the same shot of a man
facing the camera, expressionless, and when edited with different images, then
created different meaning, even though the original image never changed.
Therefore this would lead the audience to believe that the original image is
showing different emotions after each shot.
5. + List the types of cut/edit you can use and provide an
example of each on in use
Cuts are used within editing to create an instant transition between shots or
scenes. An example of cuts are shown in this video â
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBOuqyqmtJk
Fade outs are used in editing where the screen goes darker. This is usually used
at the end of the video. A fade out is seen at the end of this video â
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBOuqyqmtJk
Fade ins are used in editing where the screen goes lighter. This is usually seen at
the beginning of the video. A fade in is seen at the beginning of this video -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdF41Ne2cnQ
Dissolves are used within editing, where the end of one shot is superimposed
over the beginning of the next shot. This is shown in this video -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTPctDhOCzE
Another example of editing is a wipe. A wipe is a moving boundary line which
crosses the screen, causing one shot to push the other off the screen. This is
shown in this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuGtgmTEmk0
6. + Below, list the four relationships between shots
⢠Editing and Graphic Relationships (Picture)
⢠Editing and Rhythmic Relationships (Rhythm)
⢠Editing and Temporal Relationships (Time)
⢠Editing and Spatial Relationships (Space)
7. + For GRAPHIC relationships provide a description and examples of itâs
usage [with a weblink to a sequence on YouTube and still frames where
necessary â you may add more slides if you need to]
Graphic relationships usually show images that are intended to create some form
of pictorial continuity. This is usually through the use of similar movements from
shot to shot, and similar elements in each shot. Also, there tends to be no colour
clashing. However, images may be edited to create pictorial contrast. This is
usually through bold colour clashing, and opposite movement from shot to shot.
An example of graphic relationships is seen in the film Dead Zone
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8lT2AsFysA) There are lots of examples of
pictorial continuity and pictorial contrast. For example, there are shots from the
hospital room, which is a dark, bland colour. The scene then cuts to shots of the
childâs bedroom, which is full of bright colours, as well as the shot showing lots of
fire, which fills lots of the frame. This creates lots of pictorial contrast in the scene.
8. + For GRAPHIC relationships provide a description and examples of itâs
usage [with a weblink to a sequence on YouTube and still frames where
necessary â you may add more slides if you need to]
Also, there is examples of pictorial continuity in this scene. As the
main character is visualising the house burning down, he turns to
face away from the nurse. This then cuts to the character laid in
the same position, but in the childâs room. The character then
turns back to the nurse and faces the childâs room multiple times.
This is an example of continuity as the main subject is almost
exactly the same in two different locations.
9. + For RHYTHMIC relationships provide a description and examples of itâs
usage [with a weblink to a sequence on YouTube and still frames where
necessary â you may add more slides if you need to]
Rhythmic relationships involve the editing of the clips in a
rhythmic succession, by adjusting their screen duration. Within a
film, there may be examples of long or short takes, or a mixture of
the two, which then contributes to the tempo or pace of a scene.
Within films, there is usually faster takes in dramatic fight scenes,
where cuts need to be made to show different angles. The fast
pace of fight scenes are reflected in the editing of the film,
through using shorter takes. An example of this is shown in
Bourne Legacy
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz7BWN7hzJE). This has lots
of short takes, which is used to reflect the pace of the scene.
10. + For RHYTHMIC relationships provide a description and examples of itâs
usage [with a weblink to a sequence on YouTube and still frames where
necessary â you may add more slides if you need to]
However, in some films, longer takes are used to create a tense
atmosphere, which is usually common in conversations between
people in films. An example of this is from 500 Days Of Summer
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGaztzbzTpg) . The duration
of each shot lasts around 11-12 seconds, which is very slow in
comparison to the fight scene in Bourne Legacy, where each shot
was around 1 second long. This is used to create different moods
and atmospheres within movies.
11. + For TEMPORAL relationships provide a description and examples of itâs
usage [with a weblink to a sequence on YouTube and still frames where
necessary â you may add more slides if you need to]
ďŽ Temporal relationships within editing relate to dimensions of time
with time being extended or contracting time through editing. This
can be through the use of flash forwards or flash backs. A
flashback is seen in this clip from The Usual Suspects
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8j_pRofOp4) . This usually
happens when a character is telling a story or remembering
something. In this example, the character is telling a story, and the
screen flashes back and starts to show what happened at that
time. This helps the audience to see that time has changed and
gives them a better understanding of the backstory and what has
happened to get them there.
ďŽ A flash forward can be seen in this clip from Terminator 2
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mg7qKstnPk) . This is
showing the possibility of what may have happened in the future if
the storyline turned out differently. This helps the audience to
understand the impact that certain outcomes in the film have.
12. + Define the âHollywood methodâ of continuity editing and why it
became so prevalentâŚ
The âHollywood methodâ of continuity editing involves spatial
relationships, which relate to the 180 degree line, POV and
identification and cross cutting. This are all ways of creating a
smooth flow from shot to shot within a film, which establishes a
sense of space. This became so prevalent because technology
started to develop around the 1930âs/40âs, which meant that film
makers wouldnât have to focus as much on getting the shot in a
certain way, which meant they could focus more on the narrative
and editing, so they could edit the film together in different ways
which would smooth the scene out and create a better storyline.
13. + Provide a description of a scene where the 180 degree line has
been used, how does it provide spatial continuity/discontinuity?
ďŽ The 180 degree line is used to create space within a scene. This
involves the action in a scene taking place behind an imaginary
line, which means the camera positions will not cross that line.
This allows for establishing shots, breakdowns, shot/reverse shot,
re-establishing shot, continuity of space and action and eyeline
matches. This helps the audience to understand the position of the
characters in the scene, as if the camera position frequently
moved, then it would look like the characters were stood next to
each other, as opposed to opposite each other. An example of the
180 degree line is shown in this clip
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB2CNr692RE) . In this clip,
the same character is talking to himself, but it is edited using the
180 degree line, which helps to show the conversation, as if there
are two different characters in the scene. This helps to create
some space in the scene and helps the scene to flow more
smoothly, as there is no confusion as to where the characters are
placed in the shots.
14. + POV and identification â explain how we are invited to identify
with a character through POV and shot reverse shot
ďŽ Within editing, some shots show the point of view of a character,
through a âshot-reverse shotâ sequence. This would be shown
through shot 1 showing a character looking at something. Shot 2
would show the thing that the character was looking at. In some
cases, the film maker may return to the first shot which creates
identification with the character. An example of this is in the film
Psycho (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LcSwRtLx-Y). This
shows the character, Marion, packing a bag and leaving with the
money. In this clip, it shows Marion looking towards something,
which is then followed by a shot of the money, and then
occasionally, the next shot will be her again. This has been done
to show her point of view. This has been repeated throughout the
scene, which shows the audience that Marion is very
apprehensive and scared about the consequences of running
away with the money. This helps the audience to understand the
feelings/thoughts of the character.
15. + Provide a definition of cross-cutting/parallel editing, what is so
effective about this technique? Where might a director use it?
ďŽ Cross cutting/parallel editing is where there are cuts places to
show action between two or more locations. This is usually
used to show different storylines, but is also used to create
dramatic effects. This is an effective technique as this is a
simple way to show different aspects of the storyline, which
helps to give the audience more understanding of the storyline
and back story. A director may use it to show flashbacks in a
film. This would be used to show the back story to what is
currently happening, which would help the audience to
understand what is happening, therefore, reducing confusion
for the audience. An example of this
16. + What is Ellipsis? Select an example and explain how it
worksâŚ
An ellipsis is used in films to create a gap in time from the films narrative. This
can be created by using an editing transition such as a fade, dissolve, wipe, jump
cut or a change of scene. This is used throughout films to show that some time
has passed between shots, which helps to move the story on and to help the
audience understand what is happening. An example of this is from 2001: A
Space Odyssey, where a bone is thrown into the air which then is cut to a shot of
a space station. This graphic match helps the audience to understand that time
has passed and that there is a change of location.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI3s5fA7Zhk)
17. + What is meant by the term âintensified continuityâ? Why do you
think continuity editing has developed in this way?
ďŽ The term âintensified continuityâ is the way continuity editing has developed
since the start of film editing. In the 1930s-1960s, most films consisted of 300-
500 shots, but today, contemporary feature films may have over 2000 shots,
with action films containing 3000 or more shots. Action films tend to have faster
paced scenes, which causes the extra shots.
ďŽ I think that continuity has developed in this way as it is much easier today to
edit films and to cut any unwanted shots out of the film, than it was in the
1930âs. The process that was used in the 1930âs, which involved physically
cutting the film up and placing it back together, would take a lot longer than it
would today. Also, it would be more difficult to fix the film after making any
mistakes whilst cutting it, whereas now, it is much easier to go back and fix any
mistakes. As well as the editing, there is a huge difference in the cameras used
to film, which would effect the amount of shots used in films. In the 1930âs, a
huge camera was used and usually was always shooting a long shot. However
today, the cameras are much smaller which means you can easily move the
camera to create a different angle or shot, which allows for different methods of
editing and can help to move a story on more smoothly.
19. +
Free choice case study
ďŽ Your individual case study should describe the development of
editing in film and aim to highlight the different aspects of
editing discussed in the lecture [with examples]
ďŽ You should select at least 2 different examples/clips to discuss
â you should include links to these and use still images to
support your arguments
ďŽ Use the questions listed on the next slide to start your
investigations
20. +
Questions to ask
ďŽ When any two shots are joined, you can ask several questions:
1. How are the shots graphically continuous or discontinuous?
2. What rhythmic relations are created?
3. Are the shots spatially continuous? If not, what creates the
spatial discontinuity? [Cross-cutting? Ambiguous cues?] If the
shots are continuous, how does the 180-degree system
create the continuity?
4. Are the shots temporally continuous? If so, what creates the
continuity? [e.g. matches on action?] If not, what creates the
discontinuity?
21. +
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of
Azkaban
ďŽ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doxxfXqpKYA
ďŽ In this scene there is an example of the 180 degree line being used in a
conversation between Professor Lupin and Neville. The camera always stays at
the same side during their conversation, which has been used to reduce any
confusion for the audience, which helps them to understand the positions of the
characters in the shots.
ďŽ Also, there is use of graphic continuity in this scene as the camera moves
towards the mirror, but then is cut to a shot of the camera moving towards the
character. This creates a graphic match, which helps to make the scene run a
lot smoother. There is also slight graphic matches throughout this scene, as
when the boggart changes from something scary to something funny, it is
usually quite similar graphically.
ďŽ Shot/Reverse shot is used in this scene quite frequently. One example is when
Professor Lupin is teaching the class to say âridiculousâ, where there is a shot of
him saying it, which then switches to the class saying it, then back to him. This
creates identification with that character.
22. +
Captain America: Civil War
ďŽ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ccey7IJLCM
ďŽ In this clip, the 180 degree line is used when Bucky looks down and sees that Captain
America is running towards the helicopter. This has been used to show the spatial
relationships between the two characters. This also helps the audience, as it helps them
understand where each character is in the scene.
ďŽ Also, the shots are fairly long in this clip. This is quite unusual for a film of this genre, as
they usually tend to have really fast shots during the fight scenes. However, in this clip,
longer takes have been used. This has been done to create tension for the audience, as
they are unsure of what is going to happen to Captain America.
ďŽ The shots used in this clip are graphically continuous as they are all shot in the same
location with the same characters.
ďŽ There are some POV shots used in this clip, especially where the helicopter hits the
ground. We see the POV of Captain America, when the blades are coming towards him.
This is also used to create tension for the audience, as they get to see exactly what the
character is seeing. This is an effective method of editing, as they feel as though they are
actually in the situation that the character is in, which makes the audience feel more
involved with the movie.