Editing principles

Principles of Editing

Continuity Editing

Focuses on seamless storytelling which doesn’t draw attention to the techniques used.
Maintains spatial and temporal coherence within scenes.
Uses methods such as match on action, eyeline match, and shot/reverse shot.
Match on action: A continuity cut that shows the continuation of a character or object’s action from different angles.
Eyeline match: A cut establishing what a particular character is looking at.
Shot/reverse shot: Two or more shots edited together that alternate characters, typically in a conversation situation.

Montage Editing

Creates meaning and narrative through shot juxtaposition.
Represents passage of time and provides thematic/metaphoric meaning.
Uses fast cutting, jump cuts, and dissolves.
Fast cutting: Generally used to convey energy or chaos.
Jump cuts: Deliberately disturbs continuity to disorient or dislocate a viewer.
Dissolves: Overlapping moments that usually indicate passage of time or changes in location.

Parallel Editing

Involves the intercutting of two or more lines of action happening simultaneously.
Builds tension by engaging the viewer with multiple actions at once.
Helps to evoke a particular mood or emotional resonance.

Non-linear Editing

Challenges the viewer’s expectations by presenting narrative events out of chronological order.
Creates complex character studies or atypical storytelling techniques.
Achieves greater emotional impact and conceptual depth.

Role of Editing in Post-Production

Establishes the mood and pace of a sequence.
Develops and reveals character.
Guides the audience’s gaze and attention.
Constructs a meaningful narrative.
Offers unique perspectives and points of view.
Allows thematic explorations and enhances symbolic meanings.
Provides rhythmic and visual coherence.

Common Editing Techniques and Effects

Cutting on Action: An editing technique that creates a connection between two shots by ending the first shot in the middle of an action and starting the subsequent shot at approximately the same place in the matching action.
Cross Cutting: An editing technique that cuts back and forth between actions in different locations, often meant to make them appear as if they’re happening at the same moment.
L Cut: An edit in which the visual and audio shift at different times. This is often used to enhance the dramatic effect or reveal a surprise or twist.
Fade: Often used to signal the end or beginning of a story, a fade lightens a shot to white or darkens it to black.
Wipe: A transition between two shots, where one shot replaces another by travelling from one side of the frame to another or with a special shape.
Flashback: An editing technique used to relate events that happened in the past, adding context to the current action.
Slow Motion: Reducing the speed of the clip to elongate action and create an emotional effect.

Remember, effective editing is all about understanding the emotional, visual, and auditory elements of a scene, and how these can be manipulated to enhance storytelling.