Continuity editing is commonly used in films to seamlessly move the story and immerse viewers. Editing techniques like cuts, match cuts, and cross-cuts are employed to identify characters, create conflict, and intensify drama while making the construction invisible. The purpose is to fluidly convey meaning rather than just presenting footage. Editing pace, shot length, and transitions between shots like dissolves also communicate mood and tension. Filmmakers have many editing tools to craft their story and guide the audience's experience.

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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:
 Identificationof characters
 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 speed of which the cuts are, suggesting the level of
tension, or lack of tension to expectfrom that film or cut. Fast paced
editing suggests an action movie.
This is the first obvious thing to look at as it gives an insight to the
tempo and feel of the sequence.
Editing often works through the juxtaposition of 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 within the story from one viewpoint or
location to another.

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Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.
Match on action:
When the view changes within the cut whilst an action is going on,
the action continues throughout the two shots, this should be smooth
and hard to spot,this creates a visual bridge betweenthe two shots
Jump cut:
An abrupt switch from one scene to another, used to pass time or
make a dramatic point. E.G. From eating breakfast to suddenly at
work.
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
When the shot cuts away often to a reaction of another character or
piece of action, often reinforcing the mood of togetherness or
confrontation.
Reaction shot
This is any shot in which a participant reacts to events/ actions. Often
used to guide the audience’s 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(usually black)
Dissolve
A slow transition as one image merges into another. Both are used to
suggest: differencesin time or place.

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Wipe
An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for
dramatic effect.
Superimposition
When two or more images are placed on top of each other.
Montage:
A series of shots over a period of time that are connected togetherto
reinforce/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 and
dramatic effectto the cut.
Long take:
This is a shot that does not cut away but ‘lingers’ on one piece of the
action 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 parallel action.
Effects are also added as part of the editing process – e.g. slow
motion or fast motion.