Film Editing

·         The idea of editing is coordinating the different shots in order to create a coherent narrative. This is continuity editing

In film making editing is the task of selecting and joining camera takes. In the finished film the set of techniques that governs the relation among shots

·         Editing is the process of preparing language image or sound through correction, condensation, organization and other modifications in the various media.

·         Editing is therefore also a practise that includes creative skills, human relations and a precise set of method.

Juxtaposition

·         Edwin s porter, the great train robbery 1903 shots in sequence create meaning for audiences.

·         From exterior shots to set audience is encouraged to believe the events they see are immediately sequential.

The Kuleshov Effect

·         Lev Kuleshov circa 1920

·         Audiences can be manipulated through the juxtaposition and the way the shots are put together.

Contrast four main functions of film editing

1.       make sure that the production is the required length or time

2.       to remove unwanted material or mistakes

3.       to alter if necessary the way or the sequence in which event will be portrayed

4.       to establish the particular style and character of a production (o Sullivan, Dutton  and Rayner)

Graphic continuity

·         A graphic match is achieved by joining two shot that have a similarity in terms of light/dark, line or shape, volume or depth and movement or stasis.

·         A graphically discontinuous edit is the complete opposite of two edits.

Rhythmic Relations

·         manipulating the rhythms experienced by perceivers through thoughtful juxtaposition of longer and shorter shots

·         For example a music video – pop music has short quick shots love and romantic music as longer shots to convey emotion.

Rhythmic transitional devices

·         Straight cut

·         Fade out

·         Fade in

·         Dissolve

·         Wipe

·         Flip frame

·         Jump cut

Temporal relations

·         When you watch a TV drama it is meant to be portrayed among a week, a day, a year but the audience is only watching it for half an hour

·         The editing process by which the difference between temporal duration and screen duration is reconciled.

·         This can be down by the mise en scene

Temporal relations: chronology

·         The two most common disruptions to chronological order are flashbacks and flash forwards

Spatial Relation

·         Allowing the audience to understand the way the characters are positioned on screen.

·         For example – 180 degree rule and match on action

Spatial continuity

·         The standard pattern

Ø  Establishing shot

Ø  Shot reverse shot

Ø  Eyeline match (point of view shot)

Ø  Re-establishing shot

Thematic relations

·         Editors have at their disposal two very powerful techniques for manipulating the perceivers place in the hierarchy of knowledge and therefore affecting our thematic understanding of the film:

Ø  montages editing

Ø  cross cutting