Most films use continuity editing to seamlessly move the story along and immerse the audience. Editing is used to create meaning through techniques like identification, conflict, and intensification of drama. Common editing techniques include cuts between shots from different viewpoints or locations to transition between scenes and maintain logic. Editors consider factors like editing pace, match cuts, reaction shots, and transitions like fades, dissolves, and wipes to guide audience reaction and suggest differences in time or place. Advanced techniques include superimposition, split screens, and effects like slow or fast motion to prolong tension or add style.

1. AS Media: Editing
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AS Media
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 often works through the of differentshots to create
meaning.
Editing Pace:
this is the speed and tempo of the cuts- slow cam suggestemotion
and fast can suggesttension, action or uncontrollable events.
This is the first mostobvious thing to look for as it gives us an insight
into tempo and feelof the sequence.
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 to another location
Editing trims the footage down but also helps to maintain the logic of
the start , middle and end.
Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.

2. AS Media: Editing
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Match on action: when the editorcuts from one cut to another view
that matches the first shots action. Cutting action gives us an
impressionof continuous time. The editor creates a visual bridge,
which distracts the viewer from noticing the cut or noticing an error.
Jump cut:
An abrupt switch from one scene to another , used to make a
dramatic point, or mark a period passing time.
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 a shot cuts away to often a reaction shot of another
character or a piece of action, reinforces a mood of togetherness or
confrontation.
Reaction shot
This is how a participant reacts to an event or action. 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 blank screen
Dissolve
A slow transition as one image merges into another. Both used to
suggestdifferencesin time or place and it might also suggesta
strong connection.

3. AS Media: Editing
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Both are used to suggest:
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
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.
Slow-motion:
This connotes seriousness or a past event. Helps to prolong tension,
add style or dramatic effect.
Montage:
A series of shots connected togetherto create meaning- intensifies
and controls emotion through collection
Long take:
This does not cut away but lingers on one piece of the action.
Split screen:
Division of screen in order to sow two or more lines of action
simultaneously- this can be referred to as parallel action.