My notes on editing.

1. 1
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:
Slow can suggestemotionand fast can suggesttension, action or
uncontrollable events. It is an insight to the tempo and feelof 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 from one viewpoint or location to
another. Editing like this helps maintain the logic of a start, middle
and end (narrative).
Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.

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Match on action:
Is where the editor cuts from one shot to the other that matches the
first shots action, cutting on action gives the impressionof continuous
time. A visual bridge is created which stops the viewer from noticing
the cut.
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
When the shot cuts away, often to a reaction shot of another
character or piece of action, oftenreinforces a mood of togetherness
or confrontation.
Reaction shot
Any shot in 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.
Other forms of transition are also possible:
Fade
A transition to or from a blank screen(normally black).
Dissolve
A slow transition as one image merges into another.

3. 3
Both are used to suggest:
Differences intime or place. A dissolve might also suggesta strong
connection betweenthe two scenes involved.
Wipe
An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for
dramatic effect.
Superimposition
When two or more images placed one on top of the other not at full
opacity.
Montage
A series of shots that are connected togetherto reinforce/create
meaning – intensifies and controls the emotionthrough 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 the cut that doesn’tcut 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.