Editing Techniques Part 1

  Since I have filmed half of the production opening already, and will soon begin editing, I figured it was highly important to do some extra research on editing techniques, and explore my options. To begin with, I am going to go over every term. Then, I will discuss how I can utilize each technique within my piece, how it works and how it may not work.

Cut - A transition where one shot is immediately followed by another. This is a commonly used     technique within film editing in general

Continuity Editing - Visual editing where shots are cut together in a clear and linear flow of uninterrupted action. This editing technique serves to maintain a continuous line of time and space.

Continuity Error - When the actions or elements of a scene don't match across shots.

Cross Cutting - Used to give the illusion that two storylines are happening at the same time by rapidly cutting back and forth between them.

Cutaway - The interruption of a continuously filmed action that is related to said action.

Dissolve - When the end of one shot overlaps the start of the next one to create a gradual scene transition.
Eyeline Match - A technique that lets the audience know what a character is looking at by utilizing a closer shot of their eyes looking at something, and then cutting to whatever it is they are looking at.

Fade - A visual effect used to indicate a change in time and place.

Iris - Not usually used in cinema anymore, though extremely popular during the silent era, a wipe that is a growing or shrinking circle depending on whether the film is opening or closing.

J Cut - An editing technique that first allows the audience to hear the sound from a shot, and then see it shortly after.

Jump Cut  - An abrupt cut that creates a lack of continuity between shots by leaving out parts of the action.
                                           ex: In the Mood for Love (2000)

L Cut - An editing changeover between one shot and another in film, where the visual and audio shift at different times.

Matched Cut - A cut joining two shots with matching compositional elements. This helps to create strong continuity of action.
                                                     ex: A Space Odyssey (2001)

Montage - A sequence of shots assembled in juxtaposition of one another, to create an emotional impact, condense a story, or convey and idea.
                                                           ex: Psycho (1960)

Roll - Graphics or text that move up and down the screen, typically used for opening or ending credits.

Rough Cut -  The first editing pass done for a film. Usually is polished up for final takes.

Shot Reverse Shot - The alternating of a series of over-the-shoulder shots, used to convey a conversation taking place to capture who is saying what, and their reactions.