04 editing notes sheet
- 1. AS Media: Editing 1 Ally Oliver AS Media Film Language:Editing Most films use a system of editing known as _____________editing. It’s sole aim is to get the story moving along and get the audience completelyimmersed inthe plot and characters. In drama sequences,the purpose of editing is often: Identification(with characters) conflict intensification 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 especiallyaware to spotthe techniques of editing employed during a textual analysis. Rememberalso that sometimessound 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 Juxtapositionof differentshots to create meaning. Editing Pace: *This is the speed and tempo of the cuts- slow can suggestemotion and fast can suggesttension, action or uncontrollable events *This is the first mostobvious thing to look for as it gives you an insight into the tempo and feelof the sequence There are a huge number of editing techniques which filmmakers can employ. The most commonof these is the cut. The cut is a: the most basic tool of the editor. Editing trims the footage down but also helps to create/ maintain the logic of a start, middle and end (narrative). A cut can also be used to change one viewpoint to another
- 2. AS Media: Editing 2 Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a reason. Match on action: This is where the editor cuts from one shot to another view that matches the first shots action, cutting on action gives the impression of continuous time when watching the edited film. By having a subject begin an action in one shot and carry it through to completion,the editor creates a visual bridge,which distracts the viewer from noticing any slight continuity error between the two shots. Jump cut: An abrupt 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. Mostly used in films to establish action occurring at the same time in two different locations. Cutaway This is when the shot ‘cuts away’ to often a reaction shot of another character or piece of action, oftenreinforces a mood of togetherness or confrontation Reaction shot Is any shot in which a participant reacts to events /action. Oftenused to guide the audiences reaction to a scene Matched Cutor Graphic Cut Is a cut between either two differentobjects,two differentspaces,or two differentcompositions in which an objectin the two shots graphically match, oftenhelping to establish strong relationship between two scenes.
- 3. AS Media: Editing 3 Other forms of transition are also possible: Fade A transition to or from a blank scene (normally black) Dissolve A slow transition as one image merges into another. Both are used to suggest differencesin time of place. A dissolve might also suggesta strong connectionbetween the two scenes involved Wipe An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for dramatic effect. Superimposition Two or more images placed directly on top of one another Split screen Division of screen in order to show two or more lines of action simultaneously – this can be referred to as parallelaction. 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 effectto the film Montage: A series of shots that are connected togetherto reinforce/create meaning- intensifies and controls the emotion through collection Long take: This is a shot that does not cut away but lingers on one piece of action. It is the equivalent of staring- connotes intensity
- 4. AS Media: Editing 4 Split screen: Division of the screen in order to show two or more lines of action simultaneously- this can be referred to as parallel action.