Editing notes

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:
 Identification
 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 Pace:
This is the speed and tempo of the cuts- slow can suggestemotion
and fast can suggesttension, action or an uncontrollable event. This
is the first most obvious thing to look for as it gives an insight into the
tempo and feel of the sequence.
Editing often works through the ___________________of different
shots 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:
Basic tool and helps us start and end and change things like location
etc. It is a change of shot from one viewpoint to another.
Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.

2. 2
Match on action:
Jump cut:
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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 too often a reaction of another
character or piece of action often reinforces a mood togetherness or
confrontation.
Reaction shot
Is any shot in which a participant reacts to events/action? Often
guides
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.
Both are used to suggest:
Wipe
An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for
dramatic effect.
Superimposition
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3. 3
Montage:
A series of shots that are connected togetherto reinforce/create
meaning- intensifies are controls the emotion through collection.
Slow-motion:
The action slows down the shot and can help to add tension to
emphasize a point.
Long take:
This is a shot that takes a long time to cut away which can 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.