Editing Techniques

Purpose of editingThe purpose of editing is to allow the film to flow cohesively without unintentionally confusing the audience. The use of camera angles, special effects and cuts allow for a more enhanced experience for the viewer.

Before editing was widely introduced films used to be one long still shot, the breakthrough of post-production and editing enabled films to be more creative and influential.

Analogue and digital editing

Analogue editing was the practical way of editing, before films became mostly digitized editing was done by physically cutting and pasting clips and then passing through a Moviola machine.

Digital editing is the norm in modern filmmaking, it is much faster and more efficient for filmmakers, it allows for more freedom and changes within the process. Software for editing includes Adobe Premier Pro, iMovie and Final Cut Pro.

Continuity editing• Continuity editing is the predominant style of

editing in modern filmmaking. The purpose of continuity editing is to show a cohesive storyline and the shots in real time order. This style shows a logical coherence between shots.

Discontinuity editing• Discontinuity editing is where the film does not

follow the conventional chronological order. An example of this would be flashbacks, or when a films starts at the end or “in the middle of things”

• One director who uses this technique frequently is Quentin Tarantino his films such as Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction use discontinuity editing and jump in and out of time frames.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jomr9SAjcyw

Montage editing

• Most commonly used in trailers, Montage editing is where a series of short shots are are edited and condensed. The effect of this is to show the quick movement of time.

Match Cut

• A match cut, also known as a graphic match is cut between two objects or two different spaces.

• This is used to show the similarities of two objects or place. As well as emphasizes a metaphor.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI3s5fA7Zhk

Cross Cut

• A cross cut is a cut that symbolizes that two events are occurring at the same time. The camera will cut from one action to another action in two separate locations which will suggest that the two actions are taking place at the same time

• Also known as a parallel editing .

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCiGyaSPRhI

Jump Cut

• A jump cut is an abrupt cut/transition from one scene or shot to another that symbolizes a jump in time. This allows the audience to follow the film more effectively.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI3s5fA7Zhk