Editing

·        Must show in exam: how editing helps to aid meaning, varied shot transitions

·         The physical joining together of the shots, known as montage.

·         This term is used because it suggests the creation of meaning

·         How long does each shot last?

·         How’s each shot joined to the next?

·         The most common technique is the cut:

o   A sudden change of shot from one viewpoint or location to another

o   There is always a reason for the cut

·         Matched cut:

o   A cut in which a familiar relationship between shots make the change seem ‘smooth’.

·         Jump cut:

o   An abrupt switch from one scene to another, used to make a dramatic point.

·         Motivated cut:

o   A cut used to show the viewer something not immediately visible

o   This is most commonly used for changes of speaker and known as shot/reverse shot.

·         Cross-cut:

o   A cut from one narrative or line of action to another

·         Cutaway:

o   A ‘bridging’ shot between two shots of the same subject; often used to soften uncomfortable jumps in time or space.

·         Match on action:

o   A cut in which two parallel actions are mirrored in order to suggest a strong relationship between two scenes.

·         Reaction shot:

o   Any shot in which a participant reacts to events/action. Often used to guide the audience’s reaction to a scene.

·         Fade shots:

o   A transition to or from a blank screen (usually black).

·          Dissolve shots:

o   A slow transition as one image merges into another.

·         Both are used to suggest differences in time or place. Dissolve shot can suggest a strong connection.

·         Most films use continuity editing

o   Makes the action as fluid as possible so we are not aware of the construction process

·         The speed of editing determines the pace and mood.

·         Tense=quick editing.

·         Relaxed=slow (less frequent) editing.