Preliminary Exercise 16: Introduction to Editing in Film

 Our objective for this project was to delve into the key concepts of editing in film and various techniques associated with it. To accomplish this, our group of four divided the work evenly, ensuring each member had a specific task to focus on. We started by defining and providing examples for the key concepts used by film editors to arrange the films we watch. Then, we identified and analyzed different types of editing in film, along with the key concepts associated with this art form. Throughout the process, we collaborated closely both in and out of the classroom, utilizing Word to share our document with each team member for transparency and efficiency. It was important for everyone to check each other's work to ensure accuracy and completeness, as our grades were dependent on the collective effort of the group. This collaborative approach not only allowed us to divide the workload effectively but also fostered a sense of accountability and teamwork among us.

Section A:  Definitions and Examples

Word	Meaning and how are they used by filmmakers.
Editing in Film	A creative and technical part of post-production in film.
Editor (n/a)	a computer program enabling the user to enter or alter text.
Shot	In production, a shot is the moment that the camera starts rolling until the moment it stops.
Sequence	In film, a sequence is a series of scenes that form a distinct narrative unit, which is usually connected either by a unity of location or a unity of time.
Scene	A segment in a narrative film that takes place in one time and space or that uses crosscutting to show two or more simultaneous actions.
Continuity Editing	Continuity editing uses a variety of classic film editing techniques to blend multiple camera shots — some taken at different times or even different locations — into a seamless, consistent narrative.
Discontinuity Editing	A classic example of discontinuity editing is a jump cut, where you cut from characters in one scene to the same characters in that same scene but in different postures. This suggests the passage of time.
spatial editing	Spatial editing is when the relations between shots function to construct film space.
temporal editing	Temporal editing is when the relations between shots function to control time.
cut	a cut is an abrupt, but usually trivial film transition from one sequence to another.
establishing shot	Establishing shots introduce new scenes and tell the viewer where and when the action is happening.
180-degree rule	The 180-degree rule states that two characters (or more) in a scene should always have the same left/right relationship with each other.
insert shot	In film, an insert is a shot of part of a scene as filmed from a different angle and/or focal length from the master shot.
j cut	A type of split edit where the audio from the next scene overlaps on the picture of the preceding scene.
l cut	A type of split edit where the audio from the preceding scene overlaps onto the next scenes picture.
post-production,	Postproduction is the editing of audio and visual materials to create a film.
visual effects	images in a film or entertainment that are created using computers or models, and that can be mixed with live action
CGI	Computer-generated imagery (CGI) is the creation of still or animated visual content using imaging software.
expansion of time	Therefore, expanding space-time means that the metric changes with time in such a way that spatial distances get larger as time goes on.
ellipsis	The ellipsis ... is a series of dots that indicates an intentional omission of a word, sentence, or whole section from a text without altering its original meaning.
slow motion	Slow motion is an effect in film-making whereby time appears to be slowed down.
Dissolve	a dissolve (sometimes called a lap dissolve) is a type of film transition in which one sequence fades over another.
wipe	In filmmaking, a wipe is a type of film transition where one shot replaces another by travelling from one side of the frame to another or with a special shape.
Flashback	A flashback (sometimes called an analepsis) is an interjected scene that takes the narrative back in time from the current point in the story.
Flashforward	Flash Forwards give the audience information about what happens in the future.
Kuleshov Effect	a film editing effect invented by Soviet filmmaker
Rough cut	A rough cut is the first edited version of a film, usually without sound, music, or titles.
long take	In filmmaking, a long take is shot with a duration much longer than the conventional editing pace either of the film itself or of films in general.
short take	A short take, for instance, might be one or two seconds long, although contemporary films continue to use shorter and shorter takes of less than a single second (making two or three seconds, which sounds like a short amount of time, not very short at all).
fade in	A fade in is an opening shot or transition technique used in film editing to ease viewers into new imagery, rather than using a sudden cut from scene to scene.
fade out	The terms fade-out (also called fade to black) and fade-in are used to describe a transition to and from a blank image.

 

Part B:

Editing Technique – Shot/ reverse shot
Definition	Shot/reverse shot - a film technique where one character is shown looking at another character (often off-screen), and then the other character is shown looking back at the first character (a reverse shot or countershot)
Describe (2) ways editors utilize this technique
Shot/reverse shot is a film technique where one character is shown looking at another character, and then the other character is shown looking back at the first character.
What effects does the technique have on the audience? Discuss genre, emotions, and messages communicated by each technique.
“It's a way to help keep the viewers oriented.

 

Editing Technique – Jump Cuts
Definition	Jump cut - one shot cuts to another without any continuity between the shots
Describe (2) ways editors utilize this technique
show the passage of time as a character changes positions in a single shot.		They can use a single camera position to show a character covering a great distance without making the audience watch every step.
What effects does the technique have on the audience?
but the jump cut purposely highlights the edit to leave the audience unsettled, startled, or amused

 

 

Editing Technique –  Eyeline Match
Definition	Eyeline match - film editing technique to indicate to the audience what a character is seeing
Describe (2) ways editors utilize this technique
When characters are talking to each other, it’s important to show their reactions to what the other person is saying		Action scenes where characters must react quickly to their surroundings
What effects does the technique have on the audience?
allows the audience to believe that they're looking at something through the eyes of the character.

 

Editing Technique – Crosscutting
Definition	Crosscutting - film editing method that combines different events to depict moments that co-occur inside the narrative structure
Describe (2) ways editors utilize this technique
To capture phone or video conversations.		Filmmakers often use the crosscut to show two characters talking on the phone.
What effects does the technique have on the audience?
misdirect audiences to build suspense.

 

Editing Technique – Graphic match
Definition	Graphic match - occurs when the shapes, colors and/or overall movement of two shots match in composition, either within a scene
Describe (2) ways editors utilize this technique
these transitions connect two different scenes with similar visual styles, through colors, shapes, or patterns.
What effects does the technique have on the audience?
Match cuts can add drama, comedy, tension, or really any other emotional response a good editor and director want to evoke from the audience.

 

Editing Technique – Parallel editing
Definition	Parallel editing - an editing technique where two or more different scenes are intercut in order to suggest simultaneity
Describe (2) ways editors utilize this technique
Parallel editing is used to convey differences in lifestyle, location, emotions, or themes
What effects does the technique have on the audience?
provides a level of insight that the audience normally wouldn't perceive.

 

Editing Technique – Action Match
Definition	Action match - when the action or movement within the frame is matched, regardless of whether it’s shot in the same place or time,
Describe (2) ways editors utilize this technique
to generate seamless flow in editing.		the match on action cut creates a connection between two scenes by focusing on similar movements
What effects does the technique have on the audience?
Parallel editing can build suspense by showing multiple characters all rushing toward the same goal. This is especially effective if you demonstrate the sense of a ticking clock for the audience and establish different obstacles and setbacks in all of the locations you cut to.

 

Editing Technique –  Cutaway
Definition	Cutaway - a shot that focuses on anything other than the main subject or action of a scene
Describe (2) ways editors utilize this technique
Cutaway is commonly used to adjust the pace of the main action
What effects does the technique have on the audience?
Cutaways have the effect of offering viewers more context than a single shot of someone speaking, using alternative footage that's paired with voiceover.

 

 

 

 

 

 Reflection

 Reflecting on our task," it is evident that making the charts to define major editing principles in film was a challenge. Initially, our group had some issues combining our efforts and completing the tasks on schedule. Each of us had our own responsibilities, but it took some time for us to all agree and ensure that everything was consistent. Despite our first difficulties, we remained patient, communicating honestly and helping one another along the way. As we continued to collaborate and share our efforts, we began to understand things and became more efficient. It was a learning experience for all of us, but in the end, our efforts paid off.