All about editing

Editing: a worksheet

What does editing do? It assembles all the individual bits in to a whole film.

How does it work? Through editing, the story is structured, given shape and divided into ‘chapters’. Shots are selected, reduced to the desired length and strung together in sequences; the soundtrack is completed and added, along with effects, titles etc.

Describe and explain the function of each of the following editing terms:

Cut: The most common transition from one shot to the next is the simple cut, where one shot is suddenly replaced by another. Within a continuous scene or sequence, shots are usually strung together using cuts.

Dissolve: This is when two shots are on screen at the same time, visible through each other. The first shot is faded out while the second is faded in.

Fade: Gradual disappearance of image into black screen.

Jump cut: A cut between two shots of the same object, character or scene where the angle of the camera is less than 45 degrees.

How does the shot reverse shot help the narrative or generate meaning? This is when the camera uses alternating shots, typically of two characters in a dialogue sequence. It does what it says, it alternates the camera back and forth to capture two people talking, either through an over the shoulder shot or matches eye line like a P.O.V shot. This helps to tell the story more by focusing on what their facial expressions are and it is like we are in the conversation. It shows interaction between two characters.

Why is the 180 degree rule important? This is a rule which maintains that the line of action should not be crossed, in the interests of fluid continuity. It therefore precludes a difference greater than 180 degrees between camera angles in consecutive shots. This is important because it makes it easier for the viewer to focus on the action in a way that isn’t confusing and going past the 180 degree rule when filming a scene can do this.

How and why is the point of view shot used? This shot is done by the camera filming on the eye line of a character to look like we are looking through their eyes at what they are focusing on. This shot is used to show exactly what a character is seeing and this creates tension or realism for the viewers.

How else can P.O.V be generated? POV can also be generated through the use of mobile camera. Some measure of shakiness in the movement (caused by hand-held camera or Steadicam, for example) mimics the mobility of an observer, who may or may not be shown to the viewer. A shot of the observer may appear subsequently to confirm the POV, or this may be withheld.

What is parallel or cross cut editing? This is when two or maybe three simultaneous actions are taking place at different locations and the camera cuts between them all. For example: the villain prowls outside the heroine's house - miles away, the hero jumps in a car to come to her aid - the villain smashes down the door - the hero speeds through traffic - etc. We cut back and forth between two actions which come together at the end of the parallel sequence: at last, in the nick of time, the hero arrives to save the heroine.

What editing techniques are used to generate suspense? The technique of cross-cutting from the victim to the monster creates suspense because it shows they are getting closer. Making the shot closer to the victim each time it cuts creates suspense also. Music and sound effects also generate great suspense because that’s the main technique that gets the viewers scared, without the music the suspense is a lot less. Lighting is also important when generating suspense.

Explain in your own words how the mouse sequence creates tension. This part creates tension because the moon changes in to the shape of a monster and as the little child looks under the bed we expect it to be the monster that come out, the music and atmosphere leads you to believe this because it is quiet and the music has more sustained notes. All of this adds tension because it makes the viewers mind believe the monster will come out, as little children fear monsters are under the bed so this contrasts the idea. The frames become tighter also which makes the viewers wait for the jump.

Why is timing important in editing? It is important because that is what builds up the tension, waiting to see whether it was the monster under the bed needs time so that it makes the viewers wonder what it might be and the longer they make the viewers wait the more it will make them jump. It takes time to build up suspense and for viewers to get scared. If they showed us straight away it wouldn’t be as scary. Timing is important because that’s what causes an atmosphere.

Explain in your own words what the continuity system is? A type of editing usually used in mainstream cinema to cut from one shot to another without drawing attention to the fact the shot has been cut. This gives the idea of invisible editing, exact eye line match in shots and cutting on action.

Why does editing strive to be invisible? It strives to be invisible because if it is obvious that a shot has been cut then it takes away the tension and atmosphere from the viewers and film being shown, if it is invisible then the viewers are still focused on what is happening in the shot rather than the fact that the shot has been cut to something else. This is an important technique because it can make the film more realistic and believable.