Editing In Films- Research

What does editing do?

Editing controls what information we get and when we get it. It’s the stage in the film making process which sound and images are organised to construct an overall narrative. It is how a film maker puts together and considers cuts/cutting and applies transitions, special effects etc. to communicate a narrative to an audience. An audience is a non-active participant who must understand a narrative through the editing, they can only see what is shown.

How does it work?

The film editor works with the footage, selecting shots and combing them into sequences to create a finished motion picture. An editor must work to create effective film transitions, which are techniques used to move from one shot to the next to convey a tone or mood, suggest the passage of time, or separate parts of the story.

Describe each of the following editing terms:

Cut

A cut is an abrupt film transition from one sequence to another.

Dissolve

A dissolve is a gradual transition from one image to another.

Fade 

A fade (in or out) is a transition to and from a blank image.

Jump cut

A jump cut is a cut in which two sequential shots of the same subject are taken from camera positions that vary only slightly if at all. This type of edit gives the effect of jumping forwards in time.

How does the shot reverse shot help the narrative or generate meaning?

Interaction between two characters can be seen as narrative. It is often done through two shots filmed using the 180-degree rule and referred to as shot reverse shot. This shot and the paired reverse shot take us back and forth between characters creating narrative & showing the meaning of interaction and or conversation.

Why is the 180-degree rule important?

The 180- degree rule is to orientate the viewer, to establish the placement of characters. Breaking the 180 rule will place the characters in a different place. The 180-degree rule keeps continuity and if continuity is broken then it can stop an audience from fully understanding the film as the change takes them out of the story as they attempt to re-establish their understanding of where everyone is located.

How and why is the point of view shot used?

A point of view shot is used because it means the audience is encouraged to identify with characters. It can also create a feeling of unseen presence in the scene mainly in horror, its sometimes used so we can see a character's reaction or what they are seeing. A point of view shot shows what a character or subject is looking at. It is usually established by being positioned between a shot of a character looking at something, and a shot showing the character's reaction (shot reverse shot).

How else can the POV be generated?

Point of view can also be generated through the use of mobile camera. Some shakiness in the movement mimics real life. A shot of the observer may appear to confirm the character’s point of view. If not, it adds mystery which suggests the genre of horror.

What is parallel or cross cut editing?

Parallel editing - or cross-cutting is between two (or more) simultaneous actions taking place at different locations. It can be used for contrast for example, we might cut between the lives of rich and poor characters. This contrast is used for strong emotional effect, and frequently at the climax of a film.

Why is timing important in editing?

The timing can create tension, for example leaving a big gap of silence after a character has been running. If you put a shot in the wrong time slot it can break the narrative. The timing has to go with sound and match up with everything else for the film to have the desired effect.

Why does editing strive to be invisible?

When the audience is watching the story unfold, they don’t want to see an obvious change in shot- they want the editing and transitions to be invisible.