Editing Techniques
Different types of editing techniques are used in
certain ways to create mood and atmosphere. For example using lots of fast jump
cuts shows the film is action.
Continuity editing
This is the most common type of
editing used in the post- production process of film-making. The purpose of
continuity editing is to smooth out the discontinuity of the editing process,
it is also called invisible editing because the viewer isn’t supposed to notice
the editing.
Crosscutting
The technique of inter-cutting a
scene with portions of another scene to show two different locations and events
happening at the same time. This technique can heighten suspense by showing
simultaneous action.
Dissolve
A dissolve is a gradual transition from
one image to another, not a blank image. This is a technique edited into the
film post- production. Fade in and fade out are used to describe a transition
to and from a blank image.
Eyeline Match
When the character looks at an
object or person off screen then the scene cuts to what they have been looking
at. This is used in conjunction with continuity editing. Eyeline refers to the
trajectory of the looking eye. This technique is commonly used when two
characters are conversing and also in horror films to build tension because the
audience can’t see what the character is seeing until the shot changes.
Jump cut
An abrupt cut between two shots that
draws attention to itself because the shots don’t match seamlessly. Within a
sequence jump cuts give the effect of bad editing. They are the opposite to
match cuts.
Match Cut
These cuts make sure there is logic
between the differently positioned shots within a scene, where the camera moves
to and the angle of the camera makes visual sense to the viewer. Eyeline
matching is part of this visual logic. Match cuts are part of the seamless
reality effect.
Montage
A technique in which a series of short shots
are edited into a sequence to condense space, time and information. Einstein’s
idea that adjacent shots should relate to each other in such a way that A and B
combine to create another meaning (C) which isn’t actually recorded.
Shot Reverse Shot
Where one character is shown
looking at another character and then the other character is shown looking back
at the first character. Often builds atmosphere because the audience can see
both of the emotions on the characters faces.
Cut in
Specifically refers to showing a part of
the scene in detail. Can be used to emphasis emotion.
Shot Cutting
When an editing technique is used to
change between scenes. Different editing techniques
create different emotions and atmosphere.
