Editing Techniques

Editing Techniques

Transitions- The process in which one shot changes into another

Straight Cut- One shot ends abruptly and the next begins abruptly. This ensures that the pace is kept in the film.

Dissolve- The first shot begins to fade out while a new shot appears behind it. The new one begins to grow until eventually the first one has dimmed out completely, and we are left with a new shot. This transition is mostly used to show the passing of time.

Fade To Black/White- This is when the screen turns black or white at the end of a shot. This can show time passing or, if done quickly, it can be used to show a flashback.  

Fade In/Out- The shot diminishes very gradually, which can give a peaceful beginning or end to a shot, or can be used for a montage effect.  

Cross-cutting- The film is edited so that it cuts within two or more lines of action. It builds suspense or shows how different parts of the action are related.   

Wipe- The first shot seems to be pushed of the screen by a new image, which reveals the new scene.

Jump Cut- A sudden transition from one shot to the next, which can give an effect of leaping forward in time.

 

Continuity Editing- This follows the next three rules to make the shot sequences flow better into each other and give the narrative a better structure.

180º Rule- This is the guideline for the distance and relationship between where actors or objects are placed in the frame. The camera should not cross this line as it will appear like the characters have moved suddenly.

 

Match on Action- Shots are edited together to show how actions progress over time. This can show the cause and effect of an action in a scene.

 

Shot Reverse Shot- One character is shown looking at another, and then the other character is shown looking back at the first. Mostly used in dialogue sequences to see reactions from what the characters are saying to each other.

This is an example of shot reverse shot from the film 'Sin City', directed and edited by Robert Rodriguez.