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.
Close up’s in horror films are used to see reactions on
the characters’ face. This is the shot that shows the most emotion from the
characters. It is also used to capture detail in an important scene. 
Panning and tracking shots are used to show movement.
This is used very effectively in horror films to make out that a character is
being followed or watched. Another effective use is as the camera is moving the
suspense builds up as you don’t know what could be shown next.
Shot reverse
shot is effective in horror films as it could show consequences of
actions and what would happen if you went back in time. It shows a character
undergoing realization and the suspense is built up. It’s also a great way to show
flash backs.
Establishing shot shows where the scene
(or film) is set. It’s an effective shot to use for a haunted house in a horror
film, or to put into perspective how deserted and town is.
