Editing Techniques

In today's lesson we are looking at different editing techniques to help us when we start editing our short films.

1. Match on Action
This is a shot that cuts from one piece of action to another movement between the shots. The audience can then see a smooth action despite the cut. The effect is to show that the camera is following the action.

2. Shot/Reverse Shot
This cuts between 2 people having a conversation, instead of including both people in the shot we can do over the shoulder shots, the effect is to show that there is a difference between the characters.

3. Cross Cutting/Parallel Editing
The editor cuts between 2 different scenes in 2 different locations at the same time to show a link between them.

4. Jump Cut
A cut that moves to a similar part of the same scene but missing a piece of action out, for example a character is in a corner of a room then the next shot shows him in the opposite side but the camera wont show the character moving, just to increase the pace of the film.

5. Fast Pace Cut
This is to increase the speed and excitement/tension in an action scene.

6. Wipe
Used to move the action on without a jump cut so that the edit looks smooth and clear.

7. Dolly Shot
A scene where the camera zooms in and out to show a characters expression, for example in Jaws the male notices the shark attacking and the camera focuses on his face and uses this shot to create tension and makes you nervous as the camera shakes slightly.

8. Dissolve Shot
A shot where the camera will fade from one scene to another, can be used to show a link or time moving.

9. Visual Effects
This can be numbers or words to explain what is happening.

10. Graphic Match
A cut from one shot to another that looks visually the same, could be a link by colour or shape.

11. Slow Motion
Slows down an action, great to use for a tragic scene to make it heartfelt.

12. Continuity Edit
Shows the film in chronological order.

13. Cutaway
An example of this editing terminology is by showing a couple arguing then the scene could show a child crying will show that what the couple are doing is unacceptable and is not approved.

14. Ellipsis
This is like foreshadowing slightly, for example a film could show a man drinking with friends looking happy then the film could show the man being sad, lonely and drunk.

15. Eyeline Match
This maintains the eyeline or level when cutting from a character to what the character sees.

16. Fade
A fade to black suggests that time has passed or a situation has ended and a fade to white suggests a dream or even death.

17. Linear Narrative
Basically same as 12.

18. Long/Short Take
Long takes can make the scene look calm and peaceful, whereas short takes look very dramatic and tense.

19. Montage
The best example of this is when Rocky is shown training and getting better through time before his fight.

20. Slow Motion
Says what it is.

21. Split Screen
This is to show two different scenes happening at the same time.

22. Superimpose
Basically Visual Effects.

23. Cloning Edit
This is used for many different reasons such as an experiment gone wrong such as Doctor Who's 2011 Red Nose Day Special or for twins like in The Parent Trap.