Period 5 - Week 2 - Glossary of Editing terms

Glossary of editing terms

Continuity editing – This is a form of editing which maintains spatial relationships in a film – it makes the viewer aware of specific objects. It also allows the film to have a rhythm and shows action and reaction.

Transitions – this is how two shots are put together in a film. The most common is a straight cut, where one shot cuts straight to the next. It keeps a pace with the film.

Dissolve – this is a gradual transition from one shot to another – the first shot fades into the second shot.

It can help the continuity, and is often used to show a transition of locations or events in a passing time.

Fade to black/white – This is when one shot fades (gradually or quickly) to black or white. It creates a sense of time passing if done gradually, or if done quickly, is used for flashbacks.

Fade in/out – a shot is faded in from a blank screen or fades out to one. It shows progression of time or a sense of chaos. Is often used for a montage effect       often shows peace.

Cross-cutting – action cuts between two sequences to create links, parallels or contrasts between two storylines and their settings. It can create tension. Often used in action films.

Wipe – A line moves across the screen showing a transition from one shot to another. It is a signifier of change, can be in terms of location or time.

Jump cut – an abrupt cut between two shots. It is used to be dramatic, perhaps at the beginning or the end. It often looks poor if done badly!

Analysing editing – When analysing the way something is edited, three questions should be asked.

1. When does the shot change?
2. What is the effect of the editing?
3. How fast/slow is the editing?

Visual effects – this can range from using black and white images to a CGI (computer generated image). A lot of effects are used such as making a new film seem old using a graining effect or CCTV style image.

Digetic sound – this is heard on and recorded from the location of the film, for example speech or ambient sounds.

Non-digetic sound – this is added when the film is edited to add to atmosphere, such as sound effects or music.

Montage – Allowing the audience to make meaning from the sequencing of images. Also used to show passing of time and progression of a character or relationship.

Shot Reverse Shot – edits together two shots from two different camera positions to give an impression of a conversation taking place.

Match on action – When shots are edited together to shot how actions progress through time – shows cause and effect.

Mise-en-scene – means anything in the shot. Could be characters, outfits, props, or location. Consider where it is set and what does it tell us about genre?