Editing helps to structure a piece of moving image, the narrative's order and story is brought together through editing. Without editing, the soundtrack/ score could not be put into the movie, scenes are cut to a desired length and the score is added later. Editing is also important for the use of credits and other overlaying text which is added during the editing process.
How does it work?
A particular scene may be shot several times taken from different angles, from different point of view's or from a different distance away. It is the editor's job to form all of this raw material into some kind of order which works best to create the desired atmosphere. Editor's not only have to order this material but they must choose which clips work best (with guidance from the director) as they cannot all be shown at one time. They must add credits and use cross-cutting, they also need to add the final score into the right position to create the desired atmosphere (for example, in horror they need to build tension at exactly the right moment).
A description of the following terms:
- Cut: The most basic way of switching from one shot/ scene to the next. A cut is to simply replace one shot with another very quickly for a continuous feel.
- Dissolve: The second most commonly used scene/shot transition is called the fade, whereby one shot fades out while another fades in. This causes both shots to be visible without cross-cutting, this gives a more summarising often used to show a change in location.
- Fade: This transition shows a shot fade out completely to black, this symbolises the end of a section (or an end of a chapter) and gives the audience time to make an understanding of the scene they've just watched/ time to reflect.
- Jump cut: A jump cut is, in the simplest terms, a cut from one shot to another in which a continuity error is made obvious to the viewer. Where, for example, a character is shown from one angle wearing a hat, but when the shot cuts to a different angle the character is no longer wearing the hat. The jump cut is often not noticed on set.
It helps put emphasis on a certain character and the line/s they are saying to pin point important facts about the story. Close ups can also be used in this way to show a character's reaction perhaps which is particularly important to the story.
Why is the 180 degree rule important?
The 180 degree rule is extremely important in continuity editing, without it there would be obvious errors in terms of direction characters are looking for example. It is very noticeable when the rule is broken but is just taken as effortless realism when the rule is taken into consideration.
How and why is the point of view shot used?
The point of view shot (or p.o.v shot) is used to show what the character sees, helping the audience empathise and build up a kind of connection the the particular character. The shot is normally formed from a stationary camera position where the character it supposed to be in the scene helping the audience see what he/she sees. The point of view shot can also be used to show the character's reaction to something.
Alternatively, the point of view shot can be formed/generated with a mobile camera held by the character showing realistic hand shaking and natural movement with the character. This stylistic use of the camera is especially effective in a chase scene in perhaps a horror or thriller, it has great effect in that the scare factor works well, making the audience feel as if they're actually running away. Or that perhaps this could happen in reality, frightening them more so.
What is parallel or cross-cut editing?
Cross-cut editing is basically two or more different actions taking place in different locations, the two or more separate actions are shown alternately one after another until perhaps they meet or one of the actions is completed. This is also commonly used in chase scenes to create suspense and build tension in the horror/thriller genre.
What editing techniques are used to create suspense?
The use of some kind of sound track or music is extremely important in creating suspense and building tension. Music is always added during the editing process, timing is vital in order for the music to fit into the scene building tension and excitement in exactly the right moments. However, asynchronous music can also be extremely helpful in creating suspense, happy diegetic music played in a horror film for example can almost seem too normal, forcing the audience to become suspicious of what may happen.
Cross-cutting, as mentioned earlier, is also important in creating suspense. Switching between the villain and the victim for example can be used effectively to see each characters reaction to a screeching floorboard for instance. The use of cross-cutting can be used to show the potential victims anticipation in waiting for something to happen, and the villains slow moving approach to the victim.
P.o.v. shots can also be used in chase scenes to create suspense forcing the audience to anticipate the inevitable catch.
The mouse sequence in 'The Sandman - Paul Berry' - creating suspense
The main element that makes the sequence tension building is the long, sustained, low pitched note in the score. This drone allows us to concentrate fully on the film itself while still managing to create a dark atmosphere. Sharp movements by the boy also help create tension. The large room with the small bed helps to emphasise his vulnerability along with the high angle shot also emphasising this makes us anticipate the entry of the villain.
The image of the moon from a p.o.v. shot switching to the face of the villain makes the audience think about his possible entry more so. When the covers move (shown to us from a p.o.v shot) we expect something sinister and wait for this assumption to become reality. The way the time between movement becomes longer builds tension also, almost as if it's in slow motion. The final element of tension building is the fact the boys head (when it is peering under the bed) is shown from the p.o.v. of whatever is watching him proving our suspisions that he is not the only being in his room.
Why is timing important in editing?
In creating suspense, timing is critical. The climax of what the scene is building up to can't be too late on, otherwise the audience could begin to lose interest, but can't be too early otherwise the climax will not have the desired effect. The score must also be timed perfectly in tension building scenes to create the desired atmosphere; a loud crash/bang can be vital in simbolising the climax and creating the jumpy feel vital in most horror films.
In terms of the continuity system the timing must be perfect in order to allow the plot to be followed with minimal error. Error's are extremely noticable in film so the timing from scene to scene/ shot to shot must be perfect.
The continuity system
Continuity editing is the main term associated with making a scene appear continuous and just shown from different angles. The continuity system means every detail within the scene must be exactly the same as in the previous shot in order to eliminate visible errors. These responsibilties are normally put to the on set team rather than the editors, the script supervisor and director must be constantly on the look out for possibilities that there may be an error in the final scene as editing can only take place once the scene is finished.
Why does editing strive to be invisible?
Editing must be invisible so as not to distract the audience from the story, the amount of different camera angles in one scene is normally very high so these must be subtle enough to appear realistic and keep the audience focused on the story. Changes in camera angle's and scene changes can be masked by music (diegetic and non-diegetic) and dialogue. Masking these changes can move the audience's concentration from picking out visual errors to listening to the music/ what's being said.
The main focus of the audience should always be on the story (with the exception of a stylistic film) so editing should be kept minimal and subtle, following the rules of the continuity system.
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