This document discusses editing techniques used in filmmaking. It begins by explaining that most films use continuity editing to seamlessly move the story along and immerse viewers. It then discusses specific purposes of editing in drama, such as identifying with characters and intensifying conflict. The document outlines various editing techniques like match cuts, jump cuts, cross-cutting, cutaways, and reaction shots. It also discusses transitions like fades, dissolves, and wipes. Overall, the document provides an overview of common editing techniques and how they are used to guide audience emotion and create meaning in films.

1. 1
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:
 Identificationwith character
 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 space of time in-between cuts. A fast pace would meant
that there are a lot of cuts in a short space of time. Fast can suggest
tension and slow can suggestemotion.
Editing often works through the combiningof 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: joining of two shots

2. 2
Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.
Match on action: Continuity editing technique to show the same
action continuing over two shots. This links two shots with similar
action.
Jump cut: a deliberate juxtaposition of two shots, emphasizing
contrast and creating meaning. This can also mark a passing of 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 to a reaction shot or a differentcharacter.
This cuts away from the main action to give another layer of meaning.
Reaction shot
Cutting to a certain reaction or response,oftenmore important and
significant than the initial reaction. This also guides the audiences
emotions.
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 blank

3. 3
Dissolve
A slow transition as one image merges into another.
Both are used to suggest: A difference in time or place
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 each other
Montage:
A sequence of shots, oftencomplimented with music to show some
change over time or intensify and control emotion.
Slow-motion:reducing the speed or pace of a shot, to create
tension, add style or add dramatic effectto the film
Long take:
An unedited shot with no cuts, that goes on for a longer than average
time – creates intensity
Split screen
Division of screen in order to show two or more lines of action
simultaneously – this can be referred to as parallelaction.

4. 4
Effects are also added as part of the editing process – eg; slow
motion or fast motion.