What does editing do?
Editing is essential in creating a continuous, flowing sequence.
It puts together many video clips to form a video. Shots can be trimmed and
transitions can be added to give a smooth finish to the clip. Music, sound
effects, voiceovers, lighting, titles and many other effects can be sourced
from editing programmes such as Final Cut to make a video effective in keeping
the audience's attention.
How does it work?
Editing software programmes put together video footages into one
long clip. Each shot is then trimmed to the required duration, constructed in a
specific order and then transitions, sound and titles are added to complete the
sequence.
Describe
and explain the function of each of the following editing terms:
Cut: A shot
continues on from another shot. It is used when the aim is for the movie to
continue the scene, dialogue and actions.
Dissolve:
This is a gradual transition from one shot to another. They overlap and at one
point, both shots are visible/merged on screen. It adds smoother continuity
than a cut.
Fade: This
is a very frequently used shot in filming. The shot can fade (disappear slowly)
either into darkness (black screen) or into a white screen. Fade is often used
to signify beginning/opening or the ending of a scene or to imply the passing
of time. It is a common convention of films.
Jump cut: A
constant switch between shots. They are extremely fast and are used to increase
the pace of the sequence. Jump cuts are often used in action films where two
people are fighting or a car chase is taking place. The abrupt cuts between
shots add a tense, chaotic atmosphere and grip the audience's attention.
How
does the shot reverse shot help the narrative or generate meaning?
The shot reverse shot can easily be merged with a point of view
shot, as they are often used between conversations between two people and so
the audience feel like they are both characters in the conversation as they see
the other speak back. It helps to create a free flowing conversation and guide
the narrative as the audience don't get confused.
Why is the 180 degree rule
important?
It is important as if broken, it can confuse the audience easily.
It stops the flowing continuity of a sequence and the orientation and setting
of a scene can become confusing.
How and why is the point of
view shot used?
The POV shot is used by insinuating that the camera lens is the
person viewing point. It is used to convey what the character can see and also
hear. It makes the audience feel involved in the film and can be very effective
in guiding the narrative.
How else can the pov be generated?
The POV shot can be generated in conjunction with other shot types
such as over the shoulder, high and low angle. Hand held camera's can also be
used to give the point of view effect; this adds shakiness which can be
effective in adding tension to the atmosphere of the footage.
What is parallel or cross cut
editing?
A filming method where a point of view shot of two different
people at different views/angles/places are continuously switching. It is often
used in car chases for example, to show the tension and struggle between two
oppositions.
What editing techniques are
used to generate suspense?
Straight cuts and jump cuts are two types of editing techniques
that can be used to generate suspense. They add an abrupt, 'rough' sequence in
a scene or chapter of a film which grab the audience's attention.
Explain in your own words how
the mouse sequence creates tension
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Why is timing important in
editing?
Timing is important in editing as it instructs the flow of a
scene. Pauses make the sequence look unprofessional and timing that has been
increased can confused the audience.
Explain in your own words what
the continuity system is?
This is an effect that many editors try to achieve by directing
the audience through the shots subconsciously through transitions or cuts.
It aims to generate a natural flow through the film by using shots that the
audience are used to. Many rules and conventions are often used too such as the
180 degree rule and the appearance of an establishing shot at the beginning of
a new location or scene. They are shots that the audience expect and are used
to which make them enjoy and understand the sequence more.
Why does editing strive to be
invisible?
To create a natural flow between shots where the audience are kept
attentive, involved and intrigued. The directors are trying to mask the fact it
is film and convert it into something that is really happening; the audience
are really there.
