2. Editing Glossary
Match on action- 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. By having a subject begin an
action in one shot and carry it through to
completion in the next, the editor creates a
visual bridge, which distracts the viewer from
noticing the cut or noticing any slight
continuity error between the two shots.
3. Editing Glossary
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 different locations
Remember also that sometimes sound is used
to ‘bridge’ the cut and make it less noticeable
on screen.
4. Editing Glossary
Cutaways – 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.
The Reaction shot is any shot in which a
participant reacts to events/action. Often used to
guide the audience’s reaction to a scene
Matched cut/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.
5. Editing Glossary
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 suggest differences in time or
place. A dissolve might also suggest a strong
connection between the two scenes
involved.
Wipe- An optical effect in which one shot
‘wipes’ another off the screen for dramatic
effect
Superimposition- Two or more images placed
directly on top of one another.
6. Editing Glossary
Matching eyeline- To ensure that the
characters’ gases stay in the same
direction throughout to help show
emotion
Editing-You should edit movement ‘on the
action’ and make sure the character has
clearly moved between shots and
doesn’t look repeated.
7. Editing Glossary
Editing Pace- This is the speed and temp
of the cuts- Slow can suggest emotion
and fast can suggest tension, action or
uncontrollable events.
The cut- Editing often works through the
juxtaposition of different shots to create
meaning
8. The 180 Degree Rule
Its important not to cross the ‘line of vision’
between two characters if you do cross
the ‘line of vision’ the cut would be very
harsh and noticeable to the audience
than if you didn’t cross the ‘line of vision’
and stayed on the same side.
