This document discusses various techniques used in film editing. It explains that most films use continuity editing to seamlessly move the story along and immerse viewers. Common editing techniques include cuts, match cuts, jump cuts, cross-cuts, and cutaways which transition between shots to create meaning. Editing pace and techniques like slow motion can be used to suggest emotions or tension. Transitions beyond cuts, like dissolves and fades, are also used to indicate changes in time or place.

1. AS Media: Editing
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AS Media
Film Language:Editing
Most films use a system of editing known as continuity editing. Its
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(with characters)
 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 often works through the juxtaposition of differentshots to
create meaning.
Editing Pace:
 This is the speed and tempo of the cuts- slow can suggest
emotion 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.
There are a huge number of editing techniques which filmmakers can
employ.
The most commonof these is the cut.

2. AS Media: Editing
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The cut is a: The mostbasic tool of the editor. Editing trims the
footage down but also helps to create/maintain the logic of a start,
middle and end (narrative). 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.
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. By
having a subjectbegin an action in one shot and carry it through to
completionin 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.
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 differentlocations.
Cutaway:This is when the shot ‘cuts away’ too oftena reaction shot
of another character or piece of action, often reinforces a mood of
togetherness or confrontation.
Reaction shot: is any shot in which participant reacts to
events/action. Often used to guide the audiences reaction to a scene.
Matched Cutor Graphic Cut: Is a cut between either two different
objects,two differentspaces,or two differentcompositions in which
an objectin the two shots graphically match, oftenhelping to
establish strong relationship betweentwo scenes.
Other forms of transition are also possible:
Fade: a transition to or from a blank screen(normally black)

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Dissolve:
A slow transition as one image merges into another.
Both are used to suggest: differences intime or place. A dissolve
might suggesta strong connection betweenthe two scenes involved.
Wipe: An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the
screenfor dramatic effect.
Superimposition: Two or more images placed on top of one
another.
Split screen: Division of screenin orderto 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.
Slow-motion:The action literally slows down with the text- this
connotes seriousness or a past event. Helps to prolong tension, add
style, or dramatic effectto the film.
Montage:A series of shots that are connected togetherto
reinforce/create meaning- intensifies and controls the emotion
through collection.
Long take: This is a shot that doesn’t cut away but ‘lingers’ on one
piece of the action. It is the equivalent of staring-connotes intensify.