Editing techniques are used to move a story along through continuity and the strategic placement of cuts between shots. The most common technique is a cut, which trims footage to show what is most relevant to the narrative in a logical sequence. Match cuts match the action between consecutive clips to create a seamless transition, while jump cuts are more abrupt and meant to be noticed, sometimes to indicate passage of time. Cross cuts alternate between different narratives occurring simultaneously. Reaction cuts show a character responding to an action scene. Transitions like fades, dissolves and wipes are also used to connect shots. Montages and slow motion can intensify emotion, while long takes linger on a single shot and split screens show contrasting shots

1. Editing
 Editing is traditionally about continuity editing
 Essentially to keep the story moving
 The purpose is identification of characters, conflict, intensification
 Editing should be fluid, the audience should be aware
 Editing pace, speed and tempo of the cuts.
 Slow pace can suggest emotion
 Fast pace can suggest action
 Editing works because it’s juxtaposition (contrast of different shots)
 Juxtaposition creates meaning
Cut
 The most common editing technique
 Trimming the footage/what to show and when
 Gives the story a meaning, start middle and end
 There’s always a reason for a cut!
Match on action
 The action matches in consecutive clips
 The way you cut it shows that there has been a seamless move
 Makes a visual bridge, caused by the fluidity of the cut
Jump Cut
 An abrupt switch from one clip to another
 You’re supposed to notice the transition
 Sometimes used to show a passage of time
 It’s a cut that’s meant to be noticed

2. Cross Cut
 Cuts from one narrative or action to another
 Usually in completely different locations but happening at the same time
Cut away
 Shot cuts away to another
 Often cuts to a reaction shot
Reaction cut
 Action scene which cuts to someone reacting to it
 Often used to guide the audiences reaction to a scene
Matched Cut
 A cut between two objects
 Help to establish a strong relationship between two scenes
 Similar to match on action
Transitions
Fade – A transition to or from a blank screen (normally black)
Dissolve – A slow transition as one image merges into another
Wipe – The shot is wiped away
Superimposition– 2 or more images placed directly on top of each other

3. Montage - A series of shots that are connected together to reinforce and
create meaning intensifies and controls the 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
effect of the film
Long take - This is a shot that does not cut away but ‘lingers’ in one piece of
the action.
Split screen - A division of the screen to show two or more shots happening
at once, shows contrast