VB #7: Editing

12/08/08

A film editor tells a story by connecting one or more shots together to form a sequence, which connected to other sequences, forms scenes which add up to the entire movie.

Shot + shot(s) = Sequence + Sequence(s) = Scene + Scene(s) = Entire Movie!

A good editor is able to seamlessly combine numerous shots together to form one cohesive story without the audience realizing any editing has even happened.

Here is a list of basic terms that will help you understand what an editor does. 

(www.learner.org)

1. Editing: the work of selecting and joining together shots to create a finished film.  

2. Cut: a visual transition created in editing in which one shot is replaced on screen with another. 

3. Dissolve: a gradual scene transition in which the editor overlaps one shot with the beginging of the next one.

4. Fade: a visual transition between scenes that indicates a change in time and place by fading to black. 

5. Montage: scenes who emotional impact and visual design are achieved through the editing together of many brief shots. The workout shots in ROCKY are a good example. 

6. Jump Cut: A cut that creates continuity by leaving out parts of the action. Music Videos use jump cuts alot.

7. Match Cut: a cut joining two shots together whose compositional elements match, helping to keep continuity of action.

8. Continuity Errors: disruptions in the flow of a scene, such as failure to match action, or placement of props across shots. 

Stay tuned for a video that will show examples of these editing terms.