Unit 16 - Techniques

Editing Techniques

Match on action = This is when there the action is done with continuity so the action does not make the audience disorientated and allows the action scenes to be realistic. The impact on the audience is that they have a sense of realism as all the scenes flow together and there no visible cuts, this makes the audience more excited as they will be watching the action throughout and they will always be watching it in one fluid motion so there is a constant action on the screen so the audience will always be watching it with full attention.

180' Degree rule= An 'invisible' line used to make sure that conversations and action are done in a way, when there is a cut the characters are still on the same side that they was before and so stops the audience from being confused. The impact on the audience is that that they will know what each side the characters are and so they will not be confused and so it will let them enjoy the movie and also allow them to understand the relation between the characters.

Cutting to the beat= This is when the scenes are cut to match with and to be synchronised to the non-diegetic soundtrack int he background. These are mostly used in Music Videos as in the video below. The impact on the audience is that it allows everything to be synchronised and so it makes it look better.

Shot-Reverse-shot= When the camera switches between two characters usually in a conversation to show both sides and their expressions/ emotions. The impact on the audience is that it allows them to see what the character is talking about and the reaction of the other character, this would usually be used in arguments, to see the both sides of the story and see the relationship between these 2 people.

Montage= Where time is condensed by showing lots of shots to show a longer passing of time. The impact of a montage is to make the audience see the progress the main character make
s but it allows them to see it over a few short scenes rather than seeing it in real time, as it would take very long for them to actually film all the r=training that the main character has to go through, also it would be boring, montages are usually quick and with as soundtrack in the background to try and tell a story.

Jump cuts= Jerky cuts that show information that is relevant to the current scene. The impact of this is to shorten the time the producers have to film, and also the audience can only see what is necessary and not have to watch a whole scene, which is more exciting and fun for the audience as they only watch the relevant shots, as the rest will just be boring and time consuming for no reason.

Cutaways= A shot that shows reactions of other characters during a scene, called a 'reaction shot'. The impact of this is to allow the audience to split from the action and see a 'secondary' part of the film to divert away form the action, this could also be used to create contrast and show the different sides of the story.

Parallel editing= Where the editing is done to show simultaneous scenes that are somehow linked with one another. The impact of this is to allow the audience to see two scenes happening at the same time, this will meant that they will understand the story better and add depth to he story, also it allows for 'two' narratives so that the audience is more engaged and interested int he film, it also build up drama and excitement.

Transitions= These make two scenes connect to each other without the need of a cut. Examples are Fade in's, Fade out, Cross dissolve.The impact of these is to allow the audience to go to the next scene in a fluid way, rather than just abruptly cutting, a transition allows the audience to go the next scene on a more 'professional' way and also they could represent that time is passing by.

Graphic match= Where two scenes on there own, does not make sense, but the two scenes have a deeper meaning to the story. The impact of this is that, if the audience understands the deeper meaning between the seamlessly unconnected shots, then it will add depth to the story and, allow the audience to boost their self - esteem by decoding the hidden message in the film, and os it will make them happier and cause a 'feel good' factor.