EDITING TERMINOLOGY

• Shot Reverse Shot:

In shot reverse shot, the camera alternates between characters during dialogue. It starts with one subject speaking and then switches to the other's reaction, creating a seamless visual conversation. This technique establishes a relationship between characters and is widely used in filmmaking to enhance the dynamics of dialogues and interactions.

• Parallel Editing/Cross-Cutting:

Parallel editing, or cross-cutting, is a filmmaking technique where scenes from different locations or timelines are intercut to create suspense, convey simultaneous events, or draw thematic connections.

• Montage:

Montage is a filmmaking technique invented by Sergei Eisenstein. It involves the rapid sequence of short shots to condense time, convey information, or evoke emotions. It's a powerful tool for storytelling and expression.

• Jump Cut:

A cut that moves to a very similar part of the same scene but misses a piece of the action (eg a character is on one side of the room and then is on the other and we don't see him walking). They are often used to disorientate the viewer or show how disorientated a character is. For example, if a party of young people was being shown and included lots of jump cuts, it would represent the young people as disorientated, implying they were drunk and wild.

• Cut Away:

A brief shot that is not totally necessary but is cut into a scene showing a related action, object or person, not necessarily part of the main scene, before cutting back to the original shot. For example, a couple may be having an argument which is the main scene but the editor may choose to include a cutaway shot of their child's crying before cutting back to the couple arguing. This emphasizes the child's emotions and helps the audience to understand that we are to disapprove of these people's arguments.

• Eyeline Match:

An eyeline match is a film editing technique where a shot of a character looking at something is followed by a shot of what the character is seeing, creating a visual connection.

• Action Match/Cut on Action:

An action match is a film editing technique that seamlessly transitions between shots, maintaining the continuity of a continuous action or movement. For instance, if a shooter fires a gun, the editor uses an action match to smoothly show the bullet hitting another person, connecting both perspectives seamlessly.

• Graphic Match:

A graphic match is a film editing technique where a visual similarity between two shots, such as shapes or colors, creates a smooth transition between scenes for enhanced visual coherence.

• Dissolve:

Dissolve is when the first shot is on screen and the 2nd shot starts appearing on top of it more and more until all you can see is the 2nd shot. Often used to link two scenes or two people together. Sometimes used to show time moving on etc..

• Fade

A type of moving image editing where the image gradually fades and disappears, leaving a white or black screen. A fade to black often suggests that time has passed or a situation has ended. A fade to white often suggests a dream sequence.

• Wipe:

A wipe is a transition where one shot replaces another by moving across the screen, pushing the previous image out as the new one appears. Wipes come in various shapes and directions, adding a dynamic and noticeable change between scenes.

• Super imposition:

Superimposition is where two or more images are layered or combined into a single frame. This creates a transparent or overlapping effect, allowing multiple visuals to be seen simultaneously. Superimposition is often used for creative or symbolic purposes in filmmaking.

• Long Take:

A long take is an extended, uninterrupted shot, usually showcasing a continuous scene or performance without visible cuts or edits.

• Short Take:

A short take is a brief shot, capturing a specific moment or detail without an extended duration or continuous sequence.

• Slow motion:

Slow motion is a technique where the action is recorded at a higher frame rate, resulting in a decelerated playback speed for dramatic or stylized effects.

• Ellipsis:

The removal or shortening of elements of a narrative to speed up the action. For example, an editor might use ellipsis in a sequence about a young man taking a drink by cutting straight to him as an old man, drunk and alone. The editor has missed out on the story in the middle to speed up the action and show us how quick this man's life has passed.

• Visual Effects:

Depends on what it is.. Often it depends on what the character's reactions to these special effects are. For example, a man who has no reaction to a massive fiery explosion will seem brave and masculine. Graphics on screen (eg numbers and facts as seen in CSI, may represent someone as intelligent or competent in their work. Showing someone in colour when the rest of the image is in black and white emphasises them and draws the audience's attention to them as important.