Editing Theory

Editing

Order of shots

➤can help to present a story. linear chronology

➤out of chronological order - flashbacks / forwards

➤meaning of a sequence can change depending on the order the shots are out together

➤putting two shots together can suggest a connection or emphasise contrast

soviet montage theory

➤the Kuleshov effect is a concept in filmmaking created by Lev Kuleshov in the 1920's

➤he put together a film, showing the expression of an actor, edited together with a dead woman, plate of soup and a woman on a recliner

➤coined by Sergei Einstein. SMT is the idea that placing together separate sections of film could create ideas or have an impact beyond the individual shots

e.g  ➤ eye + water = crying

➤ear + next door = listening  

transitions

➤process of moving from one shot to another 

➤most commonly used transition is the cut. where one shot is instantaneously replaced with the next

fade

➤the preaching shot fades into black from which the following shot emerges

disown or cross fade

➤shot merges into a following shot, resulting in the two shots being superimposed

wipe

➤where an image is revealed over another horizontally, vertically, diagonally or even using a shape like a star or diamond

➤can add campness ( silly ) to the transitions

pace & rhythm

➤duration of shot reflects narrative context

➤short shots duration conveys action and urgency

➤long shot duration slow pace conveys intensity and intimacy →  focuses on facial expressions & makes the audience feel more involved and relaxed

Parallel editing

➤parallel editing is also known as cross cutting
➤the technique of parallel editing is used to build suspense and helps the with the cinematic flow
➤its also used to give additional exposition to the narrative of the film
➤its the technique of alternating two or more scenes that often happen simultaneously but in different locations

Match Cut

➤its a cut from one shot to another where the two shots are matched by the action or subject and subject matter
➤match cuts form the basis for continuity editing
➤eg. in a duel a shot can go from a long shot on both contestants via a cut to a medium closeup shot of one of the duelists

Jump cut

➤in a simple form its an abrupt transition from one scene to another
➤they're usually caused by framing which is quite similar
➤this type of edit gives the effect of jumping forwards in time
➤jump cuts are considered a violation of classical continuity editing