Editing Essential Techniques

What is Editing? Editing is the process of selecting and shaping all the sound and shots of a film into its final form. Many well known directors trained as editors first [such as Alfred Hitchcock]

What is Editing? A Language with certain rule we must follow so our work is understood by others A Technique that requires learning and skill to execute An Art Form that can be adapted, revised re-invented for different purposes.

The Art of Editing - Two key ‘schools’ or approaches Continuity Invisible or seamless editing, the dominant mode of editing. Key objective is to create a seamless flow of action and sound between shots. Discontinuity Visible editing often used by artists and the avant-garde. Draws attention to the ‘constructedness’ of the reality we are watching.

The 3 Forms of The Edit The CUT or STRAIGHT CUT where the transition between shot to shot is not perceived by the viewer The MIX or Dissolve A gradual transition from shot to short by the overlapping the images and is perceived by the viewer The FADE a transition by a gradual change of the image to a complete black image. It is perceived by the viewer

The 6 Elements of The Edit Motivation: action, sound or meaning Information: new visual or aural detail Composition: audience expectations Sound: advanced or delayed, lapping Camera angle: always cut to a new angle Continuity: smooth overlapping action between takes and camera angles.

Glossary of Essential Editing Terms The Match Cut, or Match Dissolve A cut or dissolve from one similar composition to another so that both objects fill the same size and position in the frame. The Jump Cut An edit that cuts in on the same axis. Also successive cuts that disrupt the flow of time and space. [discontinuity] The Cutaway An edit that cuts to a piece of information not seen in the master shot. Usually a CU. The Reaction Cut usually a CU of a character reacting silently to action they have just seen or dialogue they are listening to.

A Word About Montage Parallel Editing or Cross-cutting Cutting between two or more related actions occurring simultaneously at different locations or different times Montage A synonym for editing; an approach to editing developed by Soviet filmmakers of 1920’s that emphasized discontinuous often juxtaposing images to create an idea not present in a shot by itself. [concept editing or intellectual montage] Montage Sequence A summation or compression of time into brief symbolic or typical images, linked by cuts, dissolves, wipes etc. individual shots are usually fairly short in duration.

3 Types of Edit Action Edit A movement edit or continuity edit, smooth, unobtrusive, invisible - creates uninterrupted visual ‘story flow’. Form Edit A transition from a shot which has a pronounced shape, colour, dimension or sound to another with a matching shape, colour etc. Concept Edit Is a mental suggestion, an ideas or dynamic edit where the placing together of two shots creates a new idea in the mind.

Practical Exercise Using 10 shots [approx.] film the following: Film Scenario A A person walks into a room. They sit and make a phone call. The phone call is interrupted by something outside. The person reacts Think about: How is the person walking in to the room [in a hurry, slowly, nervously, etc.] Where do they sit? And how? How do they make the phone call? Is the number on speed dial, in their contacts or do they need to get it from somewhere else? What or who interrupts the phone call? How does the person react? OR Film Scenario B A person is pursued. How are they being pursued? Suspense or chase? Why are they being pursued? And by whom? Consider which editing technique[s] will best represent your narrative idea: [you must include and identify these techniques in your work] Cut/Straight Cut Match Cut/Dissolve Parallel Edit/Crosscutting Fade Montage Jump Cut Reaction Shot Use the Shot lists Provided