Unit 16 - A1- Editing Techniques

Editing Techniques

In the editing world, there are many edits which we don't notice during the post production of a film. We as viewers have the privilege off seeing the final piece of films. This means that we don't tend to know much about the edits that take place in order to make the film look good. There are mainly 12 types of editing techniques that occur in the post production in films. I will discuss what each editing technique means and the effect that it has on a particular film.

Match on Action: This is an editing technique for continuity editing in which one shots cuts to another whilst portraying the action of the previous shot in order for a scene too flow. The cuts in these scenes tend to be invisible, as we don't tend to notice them when watching films. An example of a film in which match on action is used would be the Matrix. The impact that this technique has on the audience is that it allows them too watch the film with complete fluidity and it also
 keeps them excited due to the constant action. This makes the film more intriguing for the audience and it helps to keep them engaged. 

180 Degree Rule:  This is an editing technique in which there is an invisible line which shows the relationship between two characters or a character and an object. An example of a film which shows the 180 degree rule would be star wars. In the scene where Luke Skywalker is fighting Darthvader there is a shot which shows the relationship between the two characters. The impact that this has on the audience is that it it keeps their understanding of the film intact. If the rule was broken, it would lead to confusion for the audience and they may not understand the film. Another impact is that it helps the audience understand characters more and their role in the film. 

Cutting To The Beat:  This is an editing technique in which the images cut or transition on the beats in the music. There many effects to cutting the beat. One of the effects is that it can draw attention. The audience may be focusing on something but by cutting to the beat it brings their attention to a particular moment. An example of a music video in which they cut to the beat is 'Silento - Whip/Nae Nae). In this music video at the beginning they are dancing to the music and performing moves to each beat and lyric. The impact of cutting to the beat is that it engages the audience and influences them to also do these moves.  

Shot-Reverse-shot: This is an editing technique in which the editor shows two characters looking at each other. The first character will look at the other one and likewise the editor will then show the second characters facial expression whilst looking at the first character. The effect of shot-reverse-shot on the audience is that it allows them to see the facial expressions of both characters. This means that they are able to understand the characters more and their role in the film. An example of shot-reverse-shot would be in the film 'Fast and Furious 4'. There is a scene in which Dom&Brian are fighting. In this scene they tend to Brian's expression and Dom's expression whilst they are opposite each other. The impact of these on the audience it that makes it more exciting for the audience as they can see the action coming in from both perspectives.

Montage: This is an editing technique in which editors use footage that has been filmed over a long period of time and they condense into a short clip. An example of a film in which a montage is used would be the film 'Rocky'. In this film there is a scene in which they show Rocky Balboa training in different locations, but the editors have condensed all this footage from these locations to make a big short clip of him training. A positive impact that this has on audience is that they get too see the good bits from his training sessions. The effect of the montage is that it allows editors to put together footage that link together all in one clip. 

Jump cuts:  This is an editing technique in which jerky cuts are used. A jump cut is when there is a slight transition between two shots. One of the effects of a jump cut is that it creates pace for a scene. An example of a film in which jump cuts are used would be the film 'Iron Man 2'. There is a scene in which he is in a room and there are many jump cuts used to show reactions of the people around him. 

Cutaways: This is an editing technique in which there is a scene and there is a main focus but there is a slight change in focus during the scene. An effect of a cutaway is that it can show reactions of someone else that is in the background of the scene. An example of a film in which a cutaway is used would be the film '300'. They have used cutaways in a certain scene to show the reactions of the people that are surrounding the main focus. An effect that this has on the audience is that it can build up tension for them as the reactions of people can have an effect on how people see a scene.

Parallel Editing: This is an editing technique in which editors tend to alternate two or more scenes simultaneously but the scenes are in different locations. Parallel editing was also used as a technique to provoke suspense. An effect of parallel editing is that it allows the audience to see what's occurring at the same time but in different places. An effect on the audience of parallel editing is that it is intriguing for them. This is because audiences can get bored focusing on one thing, therefore parallel editing allows their focus to change. An example of a film in which parallel editing is used would be 'The Godfather'. There is a scene in which they show two things going on at the same time but in different locations. This can build up excitement for the audience and it keeps them engaged.

Transition;Wipes: A transition is an editing technique in which they use to show the difference between two shots. An example of a transition would be a wipe. This is a transition in which one shot replaces the another by travelling from one side to the other in a special way.  An example of a film in which the wipe is used would be Star Wars. There is a scene in which the wipe is used constantly to show the difference between two shots.

Fade In/Out: Fade in/out are also types of transitions. They are used to have a dissolving effect. When a fade in/out is used the screen tends to go black for a split second. An example of a film in which fade in/out is used would be the Scooby Doo film. There is a scene in which Velma has a flashback and there is a fade used there to indicate that it is a flashback. The effect of this is that the audience know that the past in being shown and it helps their understanding. 

 

Dissolves: A dissolve is also a type of transition. This is also a technique which helps to indicate when there is a change in shot. It can help to indicate to the audience if  there is a flashback occurring. An example of a film in which a dissolve is used would be the film Before Sunset. In this film there is a scene in which a dissolve is used.

Graphic Match: This is an editing technique in which the editor cuts between objects that are not connected but have a connection in some sort of way. The effect of this technique is that it allows the audience to compare and contrast what they see. An example of graphic match is shown below.