Editing

Editing is the process in which video footage is taken and placed in the desired order. It is also used to join separate pieces of footage together. there are two main focus areas when it comes to editing. these are:

speed of editing ( how long does each shot last?)
Style of editing ( How is each shot is joined to the next?)

Speed of editing

In a film a scene could last for minutes or even a few seconds. The length of each sequence establishes the pace of action and also helps determine the mood and atmosphere of the scene. Quick editing is used to make the audience feel suspense and anxiety. In order to do this the scenes/shots will change constantly and will last a few seconds at most.

Examples of fast paced editing can be found throughout the Bourne quadrillion.

To create a relaxed romantic mood slow paced editing is used. This means that the scenes/shots last longer and change less frequently.  An example of slow paced editing is Charlies first kiss scene in the Perks Of Being A Wallflower.

In some cases a film does not need any editing atall. The film Russian Ark was filmed in just one take using a Steadicam and a digital camera. This required patience, split second timing and great organisation. If one person messed up they would have to re-film the whole thing.

Speed Of Editing in Trailers

As a trailer needs to be packed full of detail from the whole film the editing is usually fast. The Man In The Iron Mask contained over 150 edits.

Although fast paced editing is really effective the scenes at the beginning of the film usually have to be longer so we can understand where the characters are and what is going on. Its also advised to start slow so that the main characters can be introduced. As the film progresses  the editing may become shorter as the editing cuts could be telling more than one story line at the same time.

Style Of Editing

Style of editing refers to how the shots are linked together and the transitions.

Types of Transitions

Straight Cut

A straight cut is the most common transition used in film as it is invisible. One shot moves instantaneously to the next without attracting the audiences attention.  Straight cuts are used because they help retain reality. They do not break the views suspension of disbelief. Examples of straight cuts can be seen throughout the scene above.

Dissolve

A dissolve is when one shot is fading of the screen while another shot is fading in. This allows the audience to view both shots on the screen at the mid point of the dissolve. Dissolve transitions are often used when the director wants to link two characters, places or objects.

Fade

A fade transition is a gradual darkening or lighting of an image that eventually becomes completely black/ white. A shot will fade until only a black or white screen can be seen, This transition is used indicate the end of a section of time within the narrative  or the passing of time.

Wipe

A wipe transition is when one image is pushed off the screen by another. The image can either be pushed to the left or to the right but it is more common for the image to be pushed off to the left as the movement is more consistent with the sense of time moving forward. Wipes are used extensively throughout the star wars films.

Jump Cut

A jump cut is when the audiences attention is brought into focus on something very suddenly. This transition usually occurs by breaking the continuity editing  as it appears as if a section of the sequence has been removed. A good example of a jump cut is in the film Breathless. The gap in action when Serberg picks up the mirror is emphasized by the use of a jump cut.

Montage Editing 

A montage edit contains many different images/scenes quickly edited together but doesnt usually provide a sense of the narrative moving forward but can still be full of meaning. Montage editing is usually full of rapid cuts that force the audience to consider the connections between the images being shown. Montage edits are often used to reflect chaos, tension or disturbance and often have an overall thematic or visual connection. A good example of a montage edit in film is in the final Rocky film when Rocky is training for his big fight.

Continuity Editing 

When editing a film a continuous and clear narrative is needed. Continuity editing is the process in which cutting is used to make a continuous narrative that generates the feeling that time is moving forward.

Graphic Match

A graphic match is when the director places shots in a particular order to create a smooth visual transition from one frame to the next. When two consecutive shots are matched because of they're similarities a graphic match is created. A good example of a graphic match is the shower scene in psycho when the plug hole transitions to her eye.

Match On Action

Match on action is when we see a character start an action in one shot from one point of view and continue it in the next shot from a different point of view. Match on action is used by directors  too manipulate the camera so it looks as if the film reality actually exists when not in view of the camera. For example, if a character happens to walk off screen in one shot, he must walk onto another screen in another shot. When one shot ends another picks up where the other left off making the reality of the film continuous and fluid. This is vital as it allows a change in scene without breaking the continuity. 

Eyeline Match 

An eyeline match is when we see a character looking at something off screen and then it cuts to a shot of what they are looking at. This is useful as it allows the audience to see what the character can see without breaking continuity.

Shot Reverse Shot

A shot reverse shot is a common method of editing used to shoot dialogue. It is made up of repeated over the shoulder shots interrupted by the occasional medium two shot. This method is used widely throughout the film industry as it can often be impossible to get both actors together to film so by using a stand in who looks similar to the absent actor to film it allows them to film without the presence of both actors.

180°Rule

The 180° rule is a rule in cinematography that states that the angle between two consecutive shots should not exceed 180° to maintain spatial relationships between objects and people.

  

A good example of where the 180° rule is used effectively is in Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers when Gollum is having a conversation with his alter ego Smeagle. Because the director used the 180-degree rule, by  have the "good" Gollum looking left as he speaks while the "evil" Gollum looking right, the audience views Gollum as being two different characters talking to each other. This effect builds gradually during the scene: the first few times Gollum shifts between personalities, he is shown starting to turn his head, though the camera changes angles mid-turn. As the argument between the split-personalities intensifies, the editing gradually changes to using jump cuts, not showing Gollum turning his head

Breaking the 180° rule

Sometimes the 180° rule is broke on purpose to create a certain effect. A recent example of where the 180° rule was broken is in the Dark Knight.

The 30° Rule

The 30 rule is a rule in cinematography that stats that a shift in camera angle between successive shots of the same subject should not exceed 30 degrees.