Editing worksheet

1. What does editing do?

Editing assembles every shot that is taken and needed to create a whole piece; meaning that each shot will flow effectively.



2. How does it work?

Editing requires precision, therefore films and videos are time-coded, with; minutes, seconds and frame numbers, meaning that the piece will flow in chronological order and enable the frames to be put together easily. In the editing process, shots that work or fit in our section, are cropped to the correct length and placed together in sequences. After the video has been created a soundtrack of other effects are added.

3. Describe each of the following editing terms:

Cut: This is the most common transition from one shot to the next. It happens with one shot that quickly replaces another. Within a continuous scene, shots are usually strung together by cuts.  

Dissolve: This is where one shot fades out while another fades in. During the dissolve, both shots are on screen at the same time and are visible through each other.

Fade: There are two types of fading effects; a fade to black, which is followed by black screen, or a fade up or fade in.

4. How does the shot reverse shot help the narrative or generate meaning?

For example, the shot/reverse shot pattern ensures a sense of spatial coherence, meaning that the audience feel as though they are in the room/conversation. It enables the audience to feel as though the camera isn't jumping from one character to another.

5. Why is the 180 degree rule important?

It enables the space and movement to seem effortlessly understandable; to help hide edit points and to help to contribute to the action.

 

6. How and why is the point of view shot used?

The audience appear to look through the eyes of a character and so, sees the perspective of the character. The point of view shot can also be created through the use of a mobile camera; this is often used in the horror and thriller genres, to suggest to the audience that someone is spying on someone or something else within the horror film.

 

7. What is parallel or cross cut editing?

An early development of the continuity system was parallel editing or cross-cutting between two, sometimes three or more, simultaneous actions taking place at different locations.

 

 

 

8. What editing techniques are used to generate suspense?

Cross Cutting is an editing technique that is used to generate suspense. For example, a victim approaching monster/villain suspense will be generated and this is usually a shot with a movement towards closer shots of the victim, each time the audience cuts back to the victim, the shot has a close up.



9. Explain in your own words how the mouse sequence creates tension.

It creates tension because; firstly the suspense is built using different editing techniques, then the sound becomes silent, building tension because the audience is eager to know what happens. Finally, all of a sudden there is a big crash or a sudden noise which makes the audience jump.

 

10. Why is timing important in editing?

Timing is important in editing because it creates suspense and is crucial in the flow of the piece and so that crucial narrative details take place at the exact moment they should.

11. Explain in your own words what the continuity system is?

An edit, generally used with cinemas, that cuts from one shot to another without appearing as though it has been edited. This could be by invisible editing, eye-line matches, and cutting on action.

12. Why does editing strive to be invisible?

If editing wasn't invisible, then the film wouldn't have the same effect on the audience, this is because it would seem unrealistic and unprofessional. The clips would not flow properly and would look like an amateur production.