This document discusses various techniques used in film editing. It begins by explaining that most films use continuity editing to seamlessly move the story and immerse viewers. It then describes some purposes of editing in drama, such as identification, conflict, and intensification. Several specific editing techniques are defined, such as match cuts, jump cuts, cross-cuts, cutaways, and reaction shots. Transitional effects like fades, dissolves, and wipes are also discussed. The document stresses that editing is used to create meaning rather than just removing material. It closes by noting that editing pace and juxtaposition of shots are also used to convey meaning.

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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(with 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. Remember also 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:
Editing pace is the length of time that passes between cuts. This may
be used to great effect,forexample in an action film the editing pace
is very fast to create tension, however that does not happen every
time. On the other hand a highly emotional film may use as little cuts
as possible.Sometimesa slow editing pace may convey authenticity.
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: Transition between one shot and another, usually with
the shots before and after the cut coming from a differentcamera
angle.

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Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.
Match on action:
Match on action is where there is a cut from one shot to another on a
easily discernible momentof action. For example if someone is going
through a door the shot from behind the actor would cut to a shot in
front of the actor when the door handle is pushed down. This keeps
the continuity of the film and not disorientate the audience.
Jump cut:
An abrupt transition from one scene to another. The camera is
usually focused on one person, and the angle of the camera never
changes more than thirty degreesaround the subject,but the
background changes around them. It is also possible to change the
subjectand the background but the camera angle must stay the
same. It works very well to show passage of time.
Cross-cut
A cross cut is where two scenes are displayed as to be happening at
the same time, although that may not be the case.It introduces
suspense and creates questions that may or may not be explained
later on.
Cutaway
Cutaway has two definitions:
1) Where in the middle of following a sequence of actions, the
camera cuts away from the action to draw attention to
something, like a gun or a ring. This is usually used to re-
introduce a prop from earlier in the scene or film.
2) Where another shot is inserted simultaneously into the frame,
creating a split scene.
Reaction shot
A reaction shot displays the reaction of a relevant character to
something said or done by another character. This is usually used to
add tension or comedyto 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

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graphically match, oftenhelping to establish strong relationship
between two scenes.
Other forms of transition are also possible:
Fade
Where a shot slowly transitions from or to black or white.
Dissolve
A slow transition as one image merges into another.
Both are used to suggestdifferencesin time or place. It might be
used to show a strong connectionbetween the two scenes.
Wipe
An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for
dramatic effect.
Superimposition
Where one shot or image is layered on top of another, created by
changing the opacity of the top layer. It can be used to display 2
differentperiods in time, or to create a psychedeliceffect.
Montage:
Where a series of short cuts are edited into a sequence to condense
running time and information, instead of spreading it out over a
number of scenes.
Slow-motion:
A technique where time appears to slow down, to add tension or
effectto a sequence
Long take:
Where one shot is shown continuously for a long amount of time,
usually running into the minutes. This can be filmed as-is, or cuts can
be masked into certain camera movement.A notable example is
Birdman (2014)where the entire film is cut together to look like one
shot.
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.