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:
Pacing occurs when the editor varies the length of the shots and
guides the viewers in their emotional response to the scene.
Rapid pacing suggests intensity and excitement
Slower pacing is more relaxed and thoughtful.
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.
2. 2
The cut is a:
Editing often works through juxtaposition of of differentshots to
create meaning.
Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.
Match on action:
A shotreverse shot is a framing technique used for continuity
editing in film or video production.This type of framing, when edited
together, gives the audience a sense of continuous action, making it
seem as though the scene they're watching is happening linearly in
real time.
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 different
locations.
Cutaway
This is when the shot ‘cuts away’ to often a reaction shot or NOTHER
character or place of action. Often reinforces a mood of togetherness
or confrontation.
Reaction shot
The reaction shot is any shot which a 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 differentobjects,two differentspaces,or
two differentcompositions in which an objectin the two shots
graphically match, oftenhelping to establish strong relationship
between two scenes.
3. 3
Other forms of transition are also possible:
Fade
A video fade is when a shot gradually fades to (or from) a single
colour, usually black or white. A fade is differentto a crossfade,which
is a transition directly betweentwo shots rather than one shot to a
colour.
Dissolve`
A slow transition as one image merges into another.
Both are used to suggest:
Differences intime or place a dissolve might also present2 scenes to
have a strong connection.
Wipe
An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for
dramatic effect.
Superimposition
Two or more images placed almost directly on top of each other
Montage:
A series of shots that are connected togetherto create a meaning.
Intensifies and controls emotion through collection.
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.
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.
