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editing
editing is a broad post production term which can cover some of these aspects:
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Logging
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cuts
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transitions
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sound editing & mixing
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special effects
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colour grading
1. Logging
organisation is essential in post production
rushes= film takes
bins= labelled containers/folders
Cuts and transitions are two ways that editors move from shot to the next.
In addition to individual cuts between scenes, the term cut can be used to describe the larger process of assembling a film into a sequential order- the edit cut.
the term 'cutting' derives from when filmmakers had to cut physical films trips and place them together in order to edit their film.
2. types of edit cuts:
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All the different cuts of the film are made up of smaller cut transitions, taking us from scene to scene.
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The editor and director are trying to create a seamless experience for the audience, usually working to use transitions that hide the edit.
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However sometimes certain cut transitions are used for effect.
jump cut
jump cut=
This is when a single shot is broken with another cut making the subject appear to 'jump' instantly forward in time. this cut is completely visible and obvious.
when to use?
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In a montage
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To amplify tension
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When introducing characters
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To accent mental states
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In documentary interviews
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To shock
Jump cuts are very popular in the horror and thriller genre.
jump cuts and the French new wave:
The more contemporary use of the jump cut began with Jean-Luc Godard and his film Breathless (1960).
In this scene the camera stays fixed on Patricia but we jump cut multiple times to seemingly random and indeterminate points in the future.
This was Godard's creative intention as he wanted to disrupt the "invisibility" valued so highly by Hollywood and French mainstream films. The cuts here create a jarring effect which are more commonly used today but in 1960s they had a big impact on film.
jump cuts and montage:
watch this scene from schinder's list (1993) to see how jump cuts are used in a montage. this is unexpected for this holocaust drama but jump cuts are used in a playful and comedic manner
Jump cuts are appropriate for this scene as it shows a passage of time whilst simultaneously moving the plot forward.
It is humorous as the jump cuts emphasise the number of women he meets for the position and their inability to type.
jump cuts to increase tension:
jump cuts can be used to show a chaotic frame of mind.
watch from 30 seconds in to see how jump cut is used in this scene to create tension as we are placed with the distressed character.
jump cuts: introducing a character
Watch the opening titles for Guy Ritchies film Snatch (2000)
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Ritchie establishes a rapid editing style that the uses throughout his career.
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here jump cuts are used to fast forward through time and push the narrative as he has to introduce the 12 characters in 90 seconds.
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notice the jump cut when Mickey (Brad Pitt) reveals his wad of cash.
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using jump cuts in the opening sequence establishes the film's fast pace for the audience from he outset.
emotional jump cuts
jump cuts can be used to highlight a mental state as mentioned above.
watch how jump cuts are used to show this fragile low point, emphasising his mental state.
jump cuts and YouTube :
today youtubers use the jump cut frequently, so often that we probably don't even notice we are seeing them!
match cuts
match cut =
any transition, audio or visual, fluidly bringing the viewer through to the next scene using elements from the previous scene.
They are different from regular cuts because they provide a thematic connection between two separate events or concepts. creating both impact and subtext.
types of match cut:
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graphic match cuts
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match on action cuts
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sound bridge
graphic match cuts
matches:
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shapes
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colours
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compositions
matches:
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action
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movement
match on action cuts
sound bridge
matches:
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sound effects
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dialogue
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music
graphic match cut:
Graphic match cuts can act as visual metaphors implying something is the same and showing fluidity.
Watch the opening of Citizen Kane and see if you can spot how they create these graphic matches.
Objects are key for making these matches.
Notice how Hitchcock uses the swirl of the water to match an ECU of her eye.
Colour graphic match
Another way of matching two shots is through colour. This can be beautiful and become a visual spectacle.
graphic match cut: time passage
Graphic match cuts can be effective when transitioning from one point in time to another
Watch Rose's flashback taking us from an image of the sunken ship to the day the Titanic set sail.
James Cameron's Titanic (1997)
Another example of using graphic match cuts to pass us through a period of time is Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Notice how the bone matches the shape of the satellite.
We are propelled millions of years in the future and introduced to the match on action cut as Kubrick chooses to cut in the middle of the bone rotating.
match on action cuts:
drawing a direction connection between two points of action and connecting them with a quick transition. They help to generate momentum in the narrative and focus on physical connections between scenes.
Watch this clip from Scott Pilgrim vs the World (2010) to see some stylistic match on action cuts.
Watch this clip from The Graduate (1967) How has the director used match on action cuts in this scene?
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Showing a passing of time
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Highlighting how Benjamin's life is passing him by
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Showing his frame of mind and how he feels detached from reality.
match cut: sound bridge
when we use audio in a scene transition we refer to it as a sound bridge, it is considered one of the most natural ways of transitioning from scene to scene.
this could be in the form of:
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voiceover
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music
there are two types of common sound transitions:
j cut
sound of scene 1 continues into scene 2
L cut
scene 2 is heard before we see the imagery
how do they do it?
For this to work seamlessly they have to have a similar sound design, sharing a singular sound between the shots.
As Shaun flips through TV channels the dialogue of each TV channel matches for comedic effort as Shaun is still unaware about the Zombie crisis.
Another example... listen to that scream! Using sound bridges here is to amplify her anger to the audience by insinuating that she screamed all the way home.
types of editing transitions:
There are many ways you can edit scenes together, it's important to use the most effective editing transition that's right for your scene.
asynchronous sound:
This is when the sound isn't synchronised with the video, useful for transitioning into a new shot.
Watch how asynchronous sound is used in The Godfather (1972) to create a juxtaposition with what's on screen.
crosscut:
Crosscuts is an editing technique which goes back and forth between two shots which are happening simultaneously. Often used to build tension, continuity, suspense and parallels.
Christopher Nolan and the crosscut
cut:
A simple cut is when a shot transitions to the next with no effect.
This is typically used in conversational scenes, think about shot-reverse-shot.
cutaway:
This is a shot that “cuts away” from the main action, shows supporting information – then returns to the main shot to reinforce that information.
They can be used to transport us to a different time and place to support something that a character said.
cut in:
a cut in is a close up shot of something in the main scene. we are taken from a long shot to a close up.
insert shot:
very similar to cut in but it doesn't have to be a long shot to close up. it is used to focus on specific elements in the scene.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
contrast cut:
This highlights juxtaposition between two subjects, emphasising two different tones.
defocus:
this is simply adjusting the focus of the camera until it is entirely blurry. this can be used to easily transition from one scene to the next.
dynamic cutting:
this is where the editing approach from shot to shot is made abruptly clear to the audience. it is self conscious and will often startle the audience by moving rapidly through Time, space or within the scene.
example of dynamic cutting:
graphic scene!
Django Unchained (2012)
less is more? how to 'trim the fat' your edit
j cut & l cut
j cut
sound of a shot plays before matching shot
L cut
sound of shot 1 continues into next even though imagery does not match
Watch this introduction to J & L cuts
j-cut
when to use?
l-cut
used to create intrigue about what is coming next. introducing a sound earlier to draw viewers in.
best for voiceovers and great for reaction shots.
Example: J-cut
Hearing dialogue before seeing the visuals
Example: L-cut
protagonist speaks in voice recorder as were taken through his day to day.
Example: J-cut & L-cut
From Catfish's Max Joseph- this short film shows how j-cut and l-cuts can be used together.
Are you trying to include a lot of visual information using quick cuts?
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Both types of cuts also make busy videos packed with information feel smooth and focused.
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By using both J & L cuts you can create a natural flow, creating a sense of order from jumpy clips.
Do you have a dialogue-heavy scene?
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Instead of cutting back and forth each time someone speaks (known as “ping-pong”) break up the transition styles. Use L-cuts to show the reaction of the person listening, and J-cuts to introduce a new voice.
the dissolve:
this is a gradual transition from one shot to the next. this can vary in length and style.
remember those powerpoint presentation transitions?
types of dissolve:
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cross dissolve
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ripple dissolve
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Fade
Most editing software have this transition feature already
Ripple dissolve: A water ripple effect used for flashback scenes
one of the most simple transitions is the fade.
This is where the scene dissolves to or from black or white.
We often see this at the beginning or end sing the terms FADE IN or FADE OUT.
iris:
Opening or closing the camera's iris to start or end a shot.
commonly use in the silent era and in cartoons. Can have a big impact on the audience as it often breaks the fourth wall.
invisible cut:
this is exactly what it says, the invisible cut aims to hide the cut that has happened.
a key example of this is the film 1917 which appears to be seamlessly filmed in 'one take'.
you can often see objects in the foreground or costume are used to aid the invisible cut. the editing technique has great storytelling effect, in 1917 you feel closely placed with the characters and their journey.
wipes:
a wipe is where one shot replaces another by travelling across the frame.
it is frequently used in animated features.
the wipe can take form of different shapes such as:
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clock
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star
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barn door
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heart
montage:
a series of shots are sequenced into a short period time. often used to condense lots of information such as change of space and time passing. These are frequently used in character development scenes.
single shot (no montage):
check out these killer transitions
watch more about film editing:
06:23
16:57
13:00
13:11
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