Unit 21 | Unit 21

Types of editing:

Shot:

In filmmaking and video production, a shot is a series of frames that runs for an uninterrupted period of time. Film shots are an essential aspect of a movie where angles, transitions and cuts are used to further express emotion, ideas and movement.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shot_(filmmaking)#:~:text=In%20filmmaking%20and%20video%20production,express%20emotion%2C%20ideas%20and%20movement.)

'Continuity' editing:

continuity editing is the process of editing together different but related shots to give viewers the experience of a consistent story in both time and space.(https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/video/hub/ideas/what-is-continuity-editing-in-film#:~:text=Defined%20simply%2C%20continuity%20editing%20is,in%20both%20time%20and%20space.)

Sequence:

In film, a sequence is a series of scenes that form a distinct narrative unit, which is usually connected either by a unity of location or a unity of time.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequence_(filmmaking)#:~:text=In%20film%2C%20a%20sequence%20is,or%20a%20unity%20of%20time.)

Editing:

Editing is the process of selecting and preparing written, photographic, visual, audible, or cinematic material used by a person or an entity to convey a message or information.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Editing#:~:text=Editing%20is%20the%20process%20of,convey%20a%20message%20or%20information.)

'Role' of an editor:

Film editors assemble footage of feature films, television shows, documentaries, and industrials into a seamless end product. They manipulate plot, score, sound, and graphics to refine the overall story into a continuous and enjoyable whole.(https://www.princetonreview.com/careers/66/film-editor#:~:text=Film%20editors%20assemble%20footage%20of,a%20continuous%20and%20enjoyable%20whole.)

'Non-continuity' editing:

Non-continuity editing is when shots are mismatched to disrupt the impression of time and space. This draws the audiences' attention to the process of cutting and disturbs the illusion of 'reality'. An example is the use of flash backs.(https://www.mytutor.co.uk/answers/1622/GCSE/Media-Studies/What-is-the-difference-between-Continuity-and-Non-continuity-editing/)

'Montage' editing:

A montage is a series of separate images, moving or still, that are edited together to create a continuous sequence. Montages enable filmmakers to communicate a large amount of information to an audience over a shorter span of time by juxtaposing different shots, compressing time through editing, or intertwining multiple storylines of a narrative.(https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-a-montage-definition/)

History:

Louis Le Prince was born on the 28th of August 1842. Le Prince is considered the pioneer of the motion picture. Le Prince was attracted to the idea of producing a series of photographs i.e. motion pictures. On September 16th 1890 he disappeared but declared dead 7 years later.(https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1284117/bio)

the-lumire-brothers-pioneers-of-cinemas-featured-photo.jpeg

Louis Lumière was born on the 5th of October 1864 in France but then died on the 6th of June 1948. Louis invented the cinematography a machine that combined the functions of camera and projector and was thus able to project films onto a screen to an audience with his brother who is Auguste Lumière who was born on the 19th of October 1862 in France but then died on the 10th of April 1954. (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0525910/?ref_=nmbio_trv_1)

D.W Griffith was born on the 22nd of January 1875 in USA but then died on the 23rd of July 1948 in LA because of a cerebral hemorrhage. In 1897 Griffith set out to pursue a career both acting and writing for the theater, but for the most part was unsuccessful.(https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000428/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0)

Rouben Mamoulian was born on the 8th of October 1897 but then died on the 4th of December 1987 because of natural causes. He was a director and a writer and was known for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931), Applause (1929) and Becky Sharp (1935). (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0541149/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm)

Alfred Hitchcock was born on the 13th of August 1899 in London but then died on the 29th of April 1980 in LA. He joined the industry around 1920. He started off drawing the sets (he was a very skilled artist).Hitchcock had his first real crack at directing a film, start to finish, in 1923 when he was hired to direct the film Number 13 (1922), though the production wasn't completed due to the studio's closure (he later remade it as a sound film). (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000033/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm)

Thomas Edison was an American inventor and businessman who was born on February 11th 1847 but then died on October 18th 1931. He developed many devices in fields such as electric power generation, mass communication, sound recording, and motion pictures.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Edison)

Edwin S. Porter was born on the 21st of April 1870 in USA but then died on the 30th of April 1941 in New York City. in the late 1890's porter worked as both a projectionist and mechanic, eventually becoming a director and a cameraman for the Edison manufacturing company.(https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0692105/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm)

Lev Kuleshov was born on the 1st of January 1899 in Russia but then died on the 30th of March 1970 in Moscow. He was a Russian director who used the editing technique known as 'Kuleshov' effect.(https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0474487/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0)

Georges Méliès was born on the 8th of December 1861 in France but the died on the 21st of January 1938 in France. He was a French illusionist and film director famous for leading many technical and narrative developments in the earliest days of cinema. (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0617588/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm)

220px-Steven_Spielberg_Masterclass_Cinémathèque_Française_2_cropped.jpeg

Steven Spielberg was born on the 18th of December 1946 in Ohio USA and is still alive at the age of 76. Steven Spielberg is Hollywood's best known director and one of the wealthiest filmmakers in the world. He has an extraordinary number of commercially successful and critically acclaimed credits to his name, either as a director, producer or writer since launching the summer blockbuster with Jaws (1975), and he has done more to define popular film-making since the mid-1970s than anyone else.(https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000229/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm)

Editing techniques:

Straight cut:

This is a term used for when the editor switches directly from one shot, to the next shot. Straight Cuts are typically used in a practical capacity as a natural progression of a scene playing out, such as a conversation between two people with over-the-shoulder shots from each of their perspectives.(https://www.actionvfx.com/blog/7-film-editing-cuts-you-need-to-know)

Quick cuts:

It is fast paced cuts which are used to help create energy in action scenes. For example these are mostly used in action films like black widow.

Elliptical editing:

Elliptical editing makes it that an event's duration on-screen is shorter than its duration in the story and in character development (https://sites.lafayette.edu/fams101-sp15/2015/02/24/elliptical-editing-in-up/#:~:text=Elliptical%20editing%20makes%20it%20that,as%20little%20time%20as%20possible). This is used to compress the amount of time a visual text plays out (not in real time).

L-cut:

An L-cut is when the audio from the preceding scene continues to play over the footage from the following scene.(https://www.techsmith.com/blog/how-to-edit-videos-l-cuts-and-j-cuts/#:~:text=An%20L-cut%20is%20when,video%20from%20the%20preceding%20footage)

J-cut:

A J-cut is just the reverse of an L-cut. The audio from the following scene plays over video from the preceding footage.(https://www.techsmith.com/blog/how-to-edit-videos-l-cuts-and-j-cuts/#:~:text=An%20L-cut%20is%20when,video%20from%20the%20preceding%20footag)

Reaction shot:

This is a shot to show a subjects non-verbal reaction to the previous shots actionb (no dialogue). The purpose behind this might be because this enables the audience to see the characters reaction from their point of view. An example might be a superheroe's reaction to the city being destroyed.

180 degree rule:

The 180 rule is a filmmaking technique that helps the audience keep track of where your characters are in a scene. When you have two people or two groups facing each other in the same shot, you have to establish a 180-degree angle, or a straight line, between them.(https://restream.io/blog/180-degree-rule/#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20180%20degree,a%20straight%20line%2C%20between%20them.)

Graphic match:

Graphic match cuts: Also called a “visual match cut,” a graphic match cut links two different scenes together through the use of aesthetically similar elements like shapes, colors, or patterns.(https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-a-match-cut-transition-when-editing-a-film)

Slow motion:

Slow-motion is an effect in film-making whereby time appears to be slowed down. (https://filmlifestyle.com/how-to-use-slow-motion-in-film/#:~:text=What%20Is%20slow%20motion%20in,footage%20at%20a%20slower%20speed). Slow motion creates suspense for the audience.

Transitions:

Cross cutting/ parallel editing:

A stylized technique used to replace a straight cut from one shot, to the next. These may be used to make a piece of content look more professional. Examples: Fades, dissolves, washes, wipes

Cross cutting is used to establish action occurring at the same time, but in two or more different locations for example in the same building, or can be as far as completely different planets.Parallel editing is a specific cross cutting technique that creates a narrative parallel that the viewer may compare and contrast For example, if one character is scrubbing toilets while the other is riding a jet ski across a scenic lake, the visuals will create an undeniably powerful narrative point of view through the use of editing both scenes next to and in between each other. (https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/cross-cutting-parallel-editing-definition/#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20if%20one%20character,and%20in%20between%20each%20other.)

Long takes:

A one take shot, that continues for a particularly long time before a cut or transition is used. a long take smoothly draws us into the space via continuous look at the setting and moving parts.(https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/art-long-take/#:~:text=A%20common%20one%20is%20for,the%20setting%20and%20moving%20parts.)

Cutaway:

Cut-ins:

This is a shot, or series of shots, that cut to the location in order to help establish the scenes surroundings. Cutaway shots are useful in visual storytelling and cinematography because they allow filmmakers to “cut away” from the main action to a secondary action or response.(https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cutaway-shot-explained).For example, if the main shot is of a man walking down an alley, possible cutaways may include a shot of a cat on a nearby dumpster or a shot of a person watching from a window overhead.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutaway_(filmmaking)#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20if%20the%20main,watching%20from%20a%20window%20overhead)

Eyeline match:

A shot which cuts to an object or person that a character was looking at in the previous shot. This helps the audience understand what the character was looking at. for example, a shot showing a man looking off-screen is followed by a shot of a television.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eyeline_match#:~:text=An%20eyeline%20match%20begins%20with,a%20shot%20of%20a%20television.)

Establishing shot:

Establishing shots introduce new scenes and tell the viewer where and when the action is happening. They can also set up a point of view or help develop character.(https://www.adobe.com/in/creativecloud/video/discover/establishing-shot.html).For example, a scene about a murder in a college lecture hall might begin with a shot that shows the entire room, including the lecturing professor and the students taking notes.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Establishing_shot#:~:text=An%20establishing%20shot%20might%20be,and%20the%20students%20taking%20notes.)

Jump cut:

In filmmaking, a jump cut is an edit to a single, sequential shot that makes the action appear to leap forward in time. After the cut, the subject may appear in a different position or attitude, or the camera position may be slightly different.(https://www.adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/video/discover/jump-cut.html#:~:text=In%20filmmaking%2C%20a%20jump%20cut,position%20may%20be%20slightly%20different).For example, if you're watching someone on screen speaking and suddenly there's another person next to them who wasn't there before, you'll notice this as a jump cut because it won't make sense why this new person is suddenly present at this point in time without any explanation.(https://filmlifestyle.com/what-is-a-jump-cut/)

Flashback/flash forward:

Flashbacks are often used to recount events that happened before the story's primary sequence of events to fill in crucial backstory.In the opposite direction, a flashforward (or prolepsis) reveals events that will occur in the future.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flashback_(narrative)#:~:text=Flashbacks%20are%20often%20used%20to,will%20occur%20in%20the%20future)

cut-ins are when we cut from a shot into a closer element of that same shot. For example: say we have a wide shot of a character holding a book. If we want to emphasize what the character is reading, we may cut-in to a shot of the book's cover.(https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-a-film-cut-definition/)

Match on action:

Match on action is the cutting of various different shots in order to display a seamless continuation of action. For example, if someone was chasing someone out a classroom then one camera would be set up in the classroom recording someone running to the door then a camera set up outside the classroom to capture the person opening the door and running after someone in the hallway.

Shot/reverse shot:

This is when the camera alternates between subjects conversing (not breaking the 180 degree rule).The shot-reverse shot creates the impression of a single unbroken conversation by cutting between alternating camera angles. (https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/video/discover/reverse-shot.html#:~:text=A%20staple%20of%20filmmaking%20that's,using%20more%20than%20one%20shot)

30 degree rule:

This states that if an editor cuts to the same character or object in another shot, the second shot must be positioned at least 30 degrees away from the first camera setup. For example, if the camera moves less than 30 degrees, the cut between shots can look like a JUMP CUT or a mistake.(https://help.editmentor.com/en/articles/4811207-30-degree-rule#:~:text=The%2030%2DDEGREE%20RULE%20states,JUMP%20CUT%20or%20a%20mistake.)

Freeze frame:

A freeze frame is when a film suddenly freezes on a single, still frame. It is an editorial choice made for a variety of reasons. This is most commonly used for the very last shot of a movie as a way to capture a moment in time.(https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-a-freeze-frame-the-best-examples-why-they-work/#:~:text=A%20freeze%20frame%20is%20when,capture%20a%20moment%20in%20time.)

Split screen:

Split-screen is used to describe the technique in making films and television programmes in which two different pieces of film are shown at the same time.(https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/split-screen#:~:text=Split%2Dscreen%20is%20used%20to,shown%20at%20the%20same%20time).

Narrative:

Enigma codes:

Unknown elements that need solving (Barthes)

Linear/Non-linear:

Linear is chronological order of events (Todorov). And then Non-linear is an order of evens that jump around in terms of time this is also called flashbacks.

Unrestricted narrative:

The viewer is privy to certain knowledge or info that is denied to characters within the text (narrative voyeurism)

Restricted narrative:

The amount of info the audience are given is limited as the viewers only know as much as the characters (digetic)

Multi-strand narratives/Serial narrative/Series narrative:

Multi- strand narratives is a narrative that contains different arcs. Serial narrative is a story arc that runs across all episodes. Series narrative is when each episode comprises of self-contained narrative.

Flexi-narrative:

Mixture of series and serial, closure of one story arc within an episode (series) but with other, ongoing story arcs (serial)

Episodic drama:

This involves different characters and locations, covers a lengthy period of time and includes sub plots in addition to main story

Purposes:

To manipulate the sense of time you would use a non-linear narrative because it manipulates time into shortening video clips and enabling it to go from morning too evening. Eliptical editing can be used because this makes the the time on screen shorter than compared the actual duration in real life.

To control the rhythm and pace to control the flow of production you would most likely use a linear narrative because this would enable the production to flow smoothly by it being in chronological order. But also transitions like wipe, wash, fade or dissolve because this swiftly goes into another scene.

To create a sense of drama by withholding information you would use a restrictive narrative because the audience would a bit of info because the amount given to them would be limited.

To engage the viewer through suspense and causing an audience reaction you would most likely use a restricted narrative because they won't know much information so they will most likely release a reaction out of shock

To control the perception of space to create a logical and believable space between characters/objects not sharing the same shot/ angle you would use a restricted narrative because if you use this narrative it would be less likely that the audience would know if they are in the same shot or not.

To create a narrative through motivation you would most likely use an unrestricted narrative because motivated editing is like when we see someone standing all alone in a spooky setting and then they suddenly hear a startling noise and usually the audience knows that will end up happening in horror films.

To embrace continuity between different shots/ angles it could be an episodic drama because it's not interrupted and all the episodes link.

To form a meaning by juxtaposing elements within editing and creating a sense of personal connection and empathy with a character you would possibly use a slow mo editing technique because if you are going through something the same as an on screen character is going through then slow mo could be used to show empathy and sadness.

LAA: Core assessment:

Film trailer

In the trailer for ‘Black Panther’ at the time (0:06) there was a use of a ‘Fade to Black’ transition, to initiate the ending of one scene that has passed and the beginning of a new scene.

There was use of quick cuts in scenes from (1:09-1:10), which are used in action scenes to create energy. Throughout this trailer an ‘L’ cut was used to keep the same type of mood throughout. There was a ‘Cut-in’ technique used at the point (0:42) used to show a closer point of view of the fight, additionally there was also a use of a fade to black and this could signify someone's death during the fight.

A ‘Slow mo’ was used at the point (1:58), helping to create a dramatic effect. An example of this is when the guy shot at the car showing the huge amount of damage.

At the point (1:12) T’Chulla’s slow walking could be seen as a slow mo shown in an emotional way which is because of the setting as it is very angelic, magical and he’s connecting with the Black Panther.

At the point (1:18) when he does a backflip onto the car there was a ‘Straight Cut’ used, this was to be realistic, as it was so unexpected to whoever was in the car, so they wanted to make it very unexpected for us as well.

At (1:04) there was a use of eyeline match looking to his left at the place he was going to blow up to help his friend get out, this also helps the audience to see what the character was looking at.

At (1:21) there was a slow mo to make the moment intense as there was a fire brewing in the background.

There were quite a lot of straight cuts from (1:26) towards the end because, as things get to the end, you would like to keep the audience still engaged as the trailer finishes.

TV show promo

In the “pretty little liars: original sin” trailer at the point (1:23) there was a slow-mo used when the masked guy was under the bleachers this added suspense and could’ve possibly made the audience on the edge of their seats as if there was going to be a jump scare. There was a use of cross cutting at the time (1:14) to show each and every one of their different reactions at the same time getting sent the same message but at different locations in the hall. At the time (2:00) there was a reaction shot used to when Imogen got a message to look out the window and to enable the audience to see what she was looking at the editors used the reaction shot which is useful for the audience.

At the point (1:10) when the blood or red paint started appearing slowly I could say they used slow-mo and in this sense it creates more of an eerie atmosphere and a dramatic effect which a slow-mo is often used for but it’s not used in an emotive sense in this video.

At the time (1:07) there was a long take used when Imogen was standing there looking at the body of the girl that got pushed I think they used it to make it realistic that it’s taking Imogen some time to process what happened as long as the long take was going on for whilst there’s an aperture of F4.5 because Imogen is still in focus but the people in the background that are running are blurred out but not completely because you can still see their silhouettes.

At the time (1:08) the editors used straight cuts with everyone running around this could initiate the frantic and frightening feeling everyone was feeling in the moment. They also used a panning camera movement which moves from left to right and they did it with a quick movement to show people running from all areas of the hall specifically the left hand side and the right hand side.In my opinion I think that this was a smart move to use at this point whilst editing because this is how people would react if they saw someone drop to their death but they made the moment feel like a kick of adrenaline as people are running from different sides of the hall.

At (0:29) when the screen fades to black after Imogen found her mum dead in a bathtub this could signify a new beginning as the scene ends going into another when the next scene starts off with Imogen going back to school. I think that the use of the screen fading to black here was good, because I am concerned after you find a loved one dead in your own house you would want to start a new life and new beginnings.

From the point (0:38-0:41) they used jump cuts to show each of their different interests before they became friends with each other, and I think it was used to also introduce the girls individually. I think this was useful because it's like they introduced us to the characters through their NVC's.

This shot was a reaction shot to Imogen stating that she was going to run for spirit queen against her ex best friend and the most popular girl at their school. This allows the audience to see their reaction and could possibly be the same reaction as their reaction.

In conclusion, I think the type of editing techniques they used were smart and I can tell they really thought about what editing they were going to use in this trailer and I think because the genre is mostly horror in this the amount of times they used straight cuts matches the genre.

Music video

In the music video “NO” by Meghan Trainer there were a use of a slow mo editing technique at the beginning whilst she’s walking, and they used a close up to film this and a panning camera technique at the point of (0:20) the slow mo suggests that she has power in her walk.

This shot was a ‘Fade to Black’ transition, in this sense it signifies the verse is finishing and onto the next. But it also emphasizes the word ‘NO’. Meghan Trainer might have used this to get some sort of message across. The use of this is smart, because at the point when it fades to black there was a use of silence and could make the word ‘NO’ echoe and for it to be heard.

As this music video target audience is mostly young adults or children aged about 10 this music video is very upbeat. This links to the stereotype to do with age, as children and teens are wild and reckless. In this video there seems to be quite a lot of straight cuts which creates energy.

At the point (2:58) there was an editing technique used called ‘Framerate’. This is when her hair was moving in a slow-mo but her lips still looked like she was singing the song in time. The slow mo on her hair and actions has a stereotype of women being sexualized through her NVC and makeup. For example, pink lipstick and the red dress.

The slow-mo at the beginning when Meghan was walking then all her dancers started running to their positions as she was walking. This could signify the amount of power she holds, because as she starts walking, they all start running. The use of this is clear that she has power and if I was the editor, I would've used the same technique.

In the beginning of the video whilst she’s walking slowly, they used match on action. The use of this was to capture her walking easily and it wouldn’t be such a hassle for the camera people either. This also connotes a flow in editing

In conclusion, the use of editing here was broad but they used the same type as slow- mo and straight cuts a lot when they could've used others like a freeze frame used at the end because freeze frames are usually used at the end of things, such as film trailers etc. A split screen could’ve been used as well whilst Meghan was singing and then on the other side of the screen, they could’ve put her dancers there because I feel like there was so much to focus on in one scene. Because there's the singing but there’s also the dancing.

Continuity experiment:

Continuity sequence:

N/A

N/A

Development Portfolio:

For my continuity sequence I was asked to pick out of 4 scenarios and film and edit a continuity sequence. The one I picked was scenario number two, which was “A person enters a room and logs into a computer”. The reason I picked this one was because I thought it was going to be easy to work with which it was. This also enabled me to various shots, so I didn’t break continuity. Not breaking continuity was my aim to achieve throughout this whole sequence. Because it had to be a continuity sequence the appropriate techniques I used were, match on action which links to the seamless editing technique and another reason I used this was because this helps the person behind the camera because there wouldn’t be a lot of hassle. I used seamless editing at the beginning when Nadine walked through the door, and I got a shot of her opening the door from outside and inside, this made it look like it was just all one big shot. I included cross cutting, this was when I recorded Nadine knocking at the door outside and then I recorded Christina getting up from her seat to answer the door from inside the computer room because the same thing was happening, but it was just in two different locations. My intended message was to make sure that the audience would be able to tell what storyline I chose. The whole point of continuity was that my video flowed smoothly and not jumpy. I wanted to achieve a smooth 30 second video of someone logging into a computer. I did achieve this in the end but however, I made a mistake of not getting a clip of Christina opening the door. So, when it cut to the next clip after Christina turns the door handle the door just randomly opens which breaks the continuity a little bit. But the rest of the video stays within continuity.

Non-continuity experiment:

Non-Continuity sequence:

Development portfolio:

For my non continuity sequence I was asked to pick out of 4 scenarios to film and edit a non-continuity sequence. The one I picked was an “Introduction to a reality TV show contestant”. The reason I picked this one was because I have watched many in the past so I would understand what type of concept I would use in my video. This task was also a bit easier than the continuity sequence as it didn't have to be continuous. I had to use appropriate techniques in m video though such as, slow mo, transitions and shot reverse shot. I used the slow mo at the beginning of my video when I did a tracking movement of Nadine walking to the chair whilst I tilted the camera up bit by bit. The transitions make my piece look professional, but it also adds flow to my video. I then used a shot reverse shot at the point where Nadine was dancing after saying her hobbies are “music and she loves to dance”. I used this to make it seem like a love island “meet the islanders” but only using one person in my video. I achieved what I wanted to achieve in my video, but I had to adjust some things in my video to make it better by adding some extra clips in. I did this so my video doesn’t look basic. If I was to do this whole project again I would probably make the clips more snappier than wasting time and the video clips leading on.

Horror trailer