editing notes sheet
- 1. 1 Film Language:Editing Most films use a system of editing known as continuity 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 character) ● 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. Remember also 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 Pace: Editing pace is the length of time that passes between cuts. This may be used to great effect,forexample in an action film the editing pace is very fast to create tension, however that does not happen every time. On the other hand a highly emotional film may use as little cuts as possible.Sometimesa slow editing pace may convey authenticity. Editing often works through the juxtaposition of differentshots to create meaning. There are a huge number of editing techniques which filmmakers can employ. The most commonof these is the cut. The cut is a: Transition between one shot and another, usually with the shots before and after the cut coming from a differentcamera angle.
- 2. 2 Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a reason. Match on action: Match on action is where there is a cut from one shot to another on a easily discernible momentof action. For example if someone is going through a door the shot from behind the actor would cut to a shot in front of the actor when the door handle is pushed down. This keeps the continuity of the film and not disorientate the audience. Jump cut: An abrupt transition from one scene to another. The camera is usually focused on one person, and the angle of the camera never changes more than thirty degreesaround the subject,but the background changes around them. It is also possible to change the subjectand the background but the camera angle must stay the same. It works very well to show passage of time. Cross-cut A cross cut is where two scenes are displayed as to be happening at the same time, although that may not be the case.It introduces suspense and creates questions that may or may not be explained later on. Cutaway Cutaway has two definitions: 1) Where in the middle of following a sequence of actions, the camera cuts away from the action to draw attention to something, like a gun or a ring. This is usually used to re- introduce a prop from earlier in the scene or film. 2) Where another shot is inserted simultaneously into the frame, creating a split scene. Reaction shot A reaction shot displays the reaction of a relevant character to something said or done by another character. This is usually used to add tension or comedyto 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
- 3. 3 graphically match, oftenhelping to establish strong relationship between two scenes. Other forms of transition are also possible: Fade Where a shot slowly transitions from or to black or white. Dissolve A slow transition as one image merges into another. Both are used to suggestdifferencesin time or place. It might be used to show a strong connectionbetween the two scenes. Wipe An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for dramatic effect. Superimposition Where one shot or image is layered on top of another, created by changing the opacity of the top layer. It can be used to display 2 differentperiods in time, or to create a psychedeliceffect. Montage: Where a series of short cuts are edited into a sequence to condense running time and information, instead of spreading it out over a number of scenes. Slow-motion: A technique where time appears to slow down, to add tension or effectto a sequence Long take: Where one shot is shown continuously for a long amount of time, usually running into the minutes. This can be filmed as-is, or cuts can be masked into certain camera movement.A notable example is Birdman (2014)where the entire film is cut together to look like one shot. 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.