Most films use continuity editing to smoothly transition between scenes and keep audiences immersed in the story. Editing aims to set the mood and engage viewers without drawing attention to the technical construction. Cuts transition between shots while matches in action create a sense of continuous time. Faster cuts may build tension in action scenes while slower cuts can signify somber moments. Through techniques like cross-cutting, editors juxtapose shots to develop meaning and guide audience reactions.

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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:
 To create a certain atmosphere
 To engage an audience
 To smoothly change scenes whilst keeping the mood of the
film.
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:
The pace within editing is an important skill to master as it can alter
the viewers mood towards the scene.Faster editing might normally
be used in a more fast paced/actionscene so to keep the audience in
a fast and chaotic mood to keep them in the right frame of mind for
the scene.And a slower pace may be used in a slower more sad or
serious atmosphere scene.
Editing often works through the JUXTAPOSITIONof 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: change of shot from one view point or location to an
other

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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 scene to another to make a dramatic point
or show the 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 the shot cuts away too often a reaction shot of another
character or piece of action, oftenreinforces a mood of togetherness
or confrontation.
Reaction shot:
Any shot in which the participants react to an event/action. Often
uses to guide the audiences reaction to the 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.
Dissolve:
In image merging into another.
A slow transition as one image merges into another.

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Both are used to suggest: differences intime or place a dissolve
might also present 2 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 reinforce/create
meaning- intensifies and controls the emotion through collection.
Slow-motion:
The action of literally slowing down a scene using editing, this can
connotes seriousness or a past event. Helps prolong tension, add
style or dramatic effect.
Long take:
This is a shot that does not cut away but lingers on one piece of the
action.
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.