Energy Resources. ( B. Pharmacy, 1st Year, Sem-II) Natural Resources
Editing notes sheet
1. 1
Film Language:Editing James Pugh
Most films use a system of editing known as continuity editing. It’s
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:
Conflict
Identification
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:
This is the speed and tempo of the cuts – slow can suggestemotion
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.
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: Is where the editor cuts from one shot to
another viewthat 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 editor creates
a visualbridge for the audience.
Jump cut:
An abruptswitch from one scene to anotherscene,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.
Cutaway
This is when the shot ‘cuts away’often to a reaction shotof
another characteror piece of action,often reinforcesa mood of
togethernessor confrontation.
Reaction shot
A reaction shotis any shot in which a participantreacts to
events/action.Often used to guide the audience’s 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.
3. 3
Both are used to suggest:
Differences intime or place. A dissolve might also suggesta strong
connection betweenthe two scenes involved.
Wipe
An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for
dramatic effect.
Superimposition
Two or more images placed directly on top of one another.
Montage:
A series of shots that are connected together to reinforce/create
meaning – intensifies and controlsthe emotion through
collection
Slow-motion:
The action literally slows down with the text – this connotes
seriousnessor a pastevent.Helps to prolong tension,add style,
or dramatic effectto the film.
Long take:
This is a shot that does not cut away but ‘lingers’on one piece
of the action.It is the equivalentof staring – connotes intensity.
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.