Media language Editing
Editing
Speed of editing
In a film each scene may last a matter of seconds, or it could continue for a couple of minutes. The speed of editing will help to determine the mood of what is taking place on the screen. For example an action film would be very fast pace and sped up.
If film makers want the audience to feel anxiety and suspense, the editing will be quick- the scenes/shots changing frequently.
If a relaxed mood is desired,the scenes lasts longer and changes less frequently. For example in a romantic comedy.
Nevertheless a film need not have any editing. Russian ark was filmed in one take using a steadicam and a digital camera.
This required split-second timing and organisation.
Scenes at the beginning of a film- as it begins to tell its story- must be long enough for us to be able to understand where we are and what is going on. It is also slow to introduce the main character(s).
As the film progresses, scenes become shorter as the editing cuts between telling two or more story lines at the same time.
Trailers
A trailer for a film needs to pack in detail, therefore the editing will be very fast.
Cross cutting
To cross-cut is to edit together two sequences that the audience need to know are connected in the same way.
Something is happening at the same time in different locations.
A character reliving a memory.
Cross cutting can be used very effectively develop a sense of drama. It can be used to create tension, increase anxiety, direct emotion, make subtle links between characters.
Style of editing
Straight cut
Most common and "invisible" form of transition.
One shot moves instantaneously to the next without attracting the audiences attention.
Straight cuts help retain reality. They do not break the viewers suspension of disbelief.
Fades
A gradual darkening or lightening of an image until the screen becomes completely black or white.
Used to:
Indicate the beginning or end of a particular section of time with in the narrative.
Can show the passing of time.
Dissolves
Dissolving one shot off the screen while another shot is fading in.
The audience will be able to see both shots on the screen at the mid-point of the dissolve.
Used to:
If the film maker wants to show a connection between two characters, places or objects.
Wipe
One image is pushed off the screen by another.
Images can be pushed left or right.
Used to:
Signal a movement between different locations that are experiencing the same time.
Continuity editing
Eye line match
We see a character looking a something off screen and then we cut to a shot of what there looking at.
Match-on-action
We see a character start an action in one shot and then see them continue it in the next.
180 degree rule
The 180 degree rule is a basic guideline that states that two characters in the same scene should always have the same left\right relationship to each other.
If the camera passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects, it is called crossing the line.
Shot/reverse shot
Shot/reverse shot is used to show conversations/arguments.
ReplyDeleteVery clear definitions which show a solid understanding of each technique. Your notes are really useful for revision and clarify meanings well. There are also some carefully chosen examples.
However, to improve please explain how each of the examples you've provided utilise the technique. Also, please research and include a clearer definition of shot-reverse-shot. Please ensure this is done by the first day back after half term (29.10.18) and leave a comment below to explain your changes.
Mr P
The examples utilise the technique by using the effect it is supposed to to give a visual picture of what the technique is supposed to do.
DeleteShot reverse shot is a film technique where one character is shown looking at another character and then the other character is shown looking back at the first character. Since the characters are shown facing in opposite directions, the viewer assumes that they are looking at each other
Much improved blog post, well done.
DeleteHowever I am slightly confused by your comment "The examples utilise the technique by using the effect it is supposed to to give a visual picture of what the technique is supposed to do." What do you mean by this?
Miss C