my notes on editing

1. 1
Film Language:Editing
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:
 Identificationwith characters
 Conflict
 Cause 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 suggestaction, tension or uncontrollable events. It gives
a feelto the tempo and feel of the sequence.
Editing often works through the Juxtapositionof 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:
The most basic tool of the editor. It trims footage down and helps
maintain the logic of a start, middle and end narrative. The cut is the
change of shot from one viewpoint or location to another. There is
always a reason for a cut to occur.
Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.

2. 2
Match on action:
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.
Jump cut:
An abrupt cut from one scene to another scene, 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
When a shot cuts away to a ‘reaction shot’ or another character or a
piece of action, often reinforces a mood of togetherness or
confrontation.
Reaction shot
Any shot in which a participant reacts to an event/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(usually black)
Dissolve
A slow transition as one image merges into another.
Both are used to suggest: Differences intime or place. A dissolve
may also suggesta 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
Two or more images placed directly on top of one another.
Montage:
A series of shots that are connected togetherto create meaning-
intensifies and controls the emotion through collection.
Slow-motion:
The action literally slows down with the text- this connotes
seriousness or past events. Helps to prolong tension, add style or
dramatic effectto the film.
Long take:
This is a shot that doesn’tcut away but ‘lingers’ on one piece of the
action. It is equivalent to 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.