Editing Techniques: A1 Informing Ideas

ESSENTIAL FILM EDITING TERMS AND TECHNIQUES 

If you want to become an editor, you need to learn some essential film editing terms and techniques.

CONTINUITY EDITING - This editing technique creates an ongoing stream of action.

CONTINUITY ERROR - This type of mistake happens when inconsistent actions or visual elements appear in shots.

CROSS-CUTTING - This technique gives the appearance that two storylines are happening simultaneously.

CUT - Use cuts to transition from one shot into another.

CUTAWAY - This technique refers to a shot from another scene interrupting an action shot.

DISSOLVE - This occurs when the beginning of one shot gradually overlaps the end of another.

EDITING - Editing involves choosing and combining film footage to create a complete story.

EDITING PROCESS - The film editing process is part of the post-production process and involves either physical film or digital technology.

EDITING TRANSITIONS - Cross-cuts, fades, dissolves, wipes, and jump cuts are all editing transitions.

ESTABLISHING SHOT - This shot shows a location to help viewers understand the scene’s setting.

EYELINE MATCH - This editing technique reveals what the characters see or experience rather than showing the characters themselves.

FADE - With a fade, visual and audio elements gradually disappear as new ones take over to suggest a new setting or time.

IRIS - This transition involves a circle that increases and then decreases in size.

J CUTS - This editing technique involves playing the audio before the visual aspect.

JUMP CUT - This type of cut is sudden and excludes key parts of the action.

L CUT - For an L cut, the audio and visual components change at different rates between shots. 

MATCH CUT - This editing technique juxtaposes two shots with similar compositions.

MONTAGE - A montage is a series of shots that can tell a story or make an emotional impact.

ROLL - This technique moves text or graphics up or down the screen.

ROUGH CUT - Essentially a rough draft, this cut is the first draft of a film.

SEQUENCE SHOT - This lengthy shot typically lasts for a whole scene.

SHOT REVERSE SHOT - This technique involves alternating over-the-shoulder shots of two characters, usually as they talk with each other.

THE STANDARD - Also known as a hard cut, this type of cut goes from shot to shot without a transition.

SWEETENING - This technique involves adding sound effects or music to film.

WIPE - A wipe is a pattern or visual element that appears as one shot transitions into another.

EDITING TECHNIQUES AND PRINCIPLES FOR FILMMAKERS - When you start out in this field, follow these principles of film editing.

SHOOT FOR EDITING - Think about editing as the director films a scene, and plan or recommend appropriate shots.

SELECT THE IMPORTANT ACTION - When you’re editing, eliminate the fluff, and use shots that tell the story.

SELECT JUST WHAT THE STORY NEEDS - Don’t hesitate to leave out great footage if it doesn’t move the story along.

SHOW SOMETHING NEW WITH EACH EDIT - Each cut should reveal a new perspective or additional information.

VARY THE SHOT SIZE AND ANGLE - Get creative and avoid cuts between similar shots.

USE CUTAWAYS TO HIDE JUMPY EDITS - If necessary, insert cutaways between similar shots.

STEP BETWEEN SHOT SIZES - Add a mid shot between a closeup and a long shot for better flow.

USE A MASTER SHOT FOR AN OVERVIEW - Establish locations and settings with long shots.

GET THE PACE RIGHT - Pace each shot so that viewers can understand it without losing interest.

USE THE RIGHT TRANSITIONS - Think about the most appropriate transitions you can use to join different shots.

EDIT ON THE ACTION - Edit during an action, rather than at the start or end of the action, for a smoother scene.

DON’T CUT MOVING SHOTS TO STILL SHOTS - Cut from one moving shot to another or from one still shot to another.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE SOUND - Keep sound levels consistent throughout each scene.

BUILD YOUR SOUNDTRACK CAREFULLY - Make sure music and sound effects don’t drown out dialog.

USE SOUND THAT CARRIES ACROSS THE EDIT - Add ambient background noise to avoid silence, and use J cuts or L cuts for variety.

KEEP TRACK OF THE BIGGER PICTURE - Make sure each cut contributes to the scene or film as a whole.