edit8ing

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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:
Pace is the speed and tempo of the cuts- If the editing is fast pace
then it increases the tension of the scene (e.g. a car chase or action
scene).However, if the editing pace is slow than the audience
wouldn’t be as gripped to the scene alike if the editing was quick and
it suggestsemotion.
Editing often works through the pace 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: editing often works through juxtaposition of different
shots to create meaning. The most basic technique of the editor.
Editing trims the footage down but also helps to create/maintain the
logic of start, middle and end (narrative).

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Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.
Match on action: is where the editor cuts from one shot to another
view that matches the first shots action, cutting on action gives the
impressionof continuous time when watching the edited film.
Jump cut: an abrupt switch from one 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 differentlocations.
Cutaway:a reaction shot of another character or piece of action,
often reinforces a mood of togetherness or confrontation.
Reaction shot: is any shot in which a participant reacts to something
event/action. Often used to guide the audiences 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 black screen(normally black).
Dissolve:
A slow transition as one image merges into another.
Both are used to suggest: differences intime or place. A dissolve
might also suggesta strong connectionbetween two scenes.
Wipe:
An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for
dramatic effect.

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Superimposition: two or more images placed directly on top of one
another.
Montage:a series of shots that are connected togetherto reinforce
meaning – intensifies and controls the emotionthrough collection.
Slow-motion:the action literally slows down with the text – this
connotes seriousness or a past event. It helps to prolong tension,
adds style and a dramatic effect.
Long take: this is a shot that does not cut away but ‘lingers’ on one
piece of the action. It is the equivalent of 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.