AS Media: Editing

AS MediaFilm 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 completely immersed in the plot and characters.

In drama sequences, the purpose of editing is often:Identification (with characters)ConflictIntensification

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 especially aware to spot the techniques of editing employed during a textual analysis. Remember also that sometimes sound 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 often works through the juxtaposition of different shots to create meaning.

Editing Pace:This is the speed and tempo of the cuts in which slow can suggest emotion and fast can suggest tension, action or uncontrollable events. This is the most obvious thing to look for as it gives an insight into the tempo and feel of the sequence. There are a huge number of editing techniques which filmmakers can use; the most common of these is the cut. The cut is: Editing trims the footage down but also helps to create/ maintain the logic of a start, middle and end (narrative).

There is always a reason to why a cut has occurred.

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AS Media: Editing

Match on action:

Is where the editor cuts from one shot to another shot that matches the first shot's action, cutting on action gives the impression of continuous time which the audience won’t notice when watching the edited film. By having a subject begin an action in one shot and carry it through to completion in the next, the editor creates a visual bridge, which distracts the viewer from noticing the cut or noticing any slight continuity error between the two shots.

Jump cut:A quick 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. Commonly used in films to establish action occurring at the same time in two different locations.

Cutaway:This is when the shot ‘cuts away’ too often a reaction shot of another character or piece of action, reinforces a mood of togetherness or confrontation.

Reaction shot:Any shot in which a participant reacts to events/action. Can guide the audience’s reaction to a scene.

Matched Cut or Graphic Cut:Is a cut between either two different objects, two different spaces, or two different compositions in which an object in the two shots graphically match, often helping to establish strong relationship between two scenes.

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AS Media: Editing

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.

Both are used to suggest: Differences in time or place. A strong connection between the two scenes involved.

Wipe:An optical effect in which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for dramatic effect.

Superimposition:Two or more images placed directly on top of one another.

Split screenDivision 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 – eg; slow motion or fast motion.

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 to the film.

Montage:A number of shots that are connected together to reinforce/create meaning – intensifies and controls the emotion through collection.

Long take:A shot that does not cut away but ‘lingers’ on one piece of the action. It is the equivalent of staring – connotes intensity.

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