Research: Editing (Miss Begum)

 Editing

What is editing?

Editing is a part of post-production where you use a range of techniques in order to put together a final motion picture. Editing is important as it enables the film to come together in a creative way that attracts the audience.

Speed of editing:

The speed in which films are joined together at certain points. The length of each shot determines the pace of the film and helps determine the mood. In the thriller film "Psycho" at the shower scene, there are 16 edits building up to the main killing scene. This means the editor wanted the edits to be quite slow as it is trying to build tension for the audience. However, at 1:32 where the killing scene is about to happen, there is around 33 edits. The fast pace of the edits suggests that the editor wanted to emphasise this important part of the scene. 

 

Straight cut:

A straight cut is when one shot moves into another shot in an edit which does not confuse the audience. This helps the audience follow the narrative better. In this clip of "Insidious" the protagonists are having a conversation in which the straight cuts show all the characters faces clearly. This also helps the film flow better. 

Fade to black:

A fade to black is when one shot goes/moves into another and there is a black filter in between. In this clip of  "The Grudge" at 1:11 there is a fade to black as the door closes. This edit has been put there in order to create uncertainty and make the scene more unexpected for the audience. For them couple of seconds the black screen also suggests a sense of curiosity. 

Wipe cut:

A wipe cut is when one shot slides into another. It usually has an effect of one shot pushing another shot off /on the screen. This edit is used to carry on to the next scene in an obvious way. 

Dissolve:

A dissolve shot is when one shot disintegrates into another creating a smooth change between scenes. In this clip of  "Psycho" at 1:30 the antagonist's face disintegrates into a skeleton then into a different scene. This makes the audience think why that edit has been put there and of what significance. 

Reaction shot:

A reaction shot is any shot (often used as a cut away) in which a subject reacts to a previous shot. In this clip of "Scream" the protagonist reacts to the antagonist at 1:03. These shots help the audience capture the characters emotions and keep them engaged. 

180 rule:

Imagine a hypothetical line drawn between two or more actors. Camera must not shoot on the other side of the line and this is because it can confuse the audience and also the shooting will not be consistent. In this clip of "Sin City" the camera stays on one side of the room and does not cross the 180 line. This helps not the confuse the audience whilst watching the film.

Shot reverse shot:

In a shot reverse shot there is a straight cut from person to person. This shot is usually used whilst protagonists/antagonists are having a conversation such as the joker and batman. This scene helps the film flow from cut to cut without confusion. 

Jump cut:

A jump cut is an edit where there is a drastic camera movement that is noticeable to the eye. This creates a difference for the audience as jump cuts are usually used to exaggerate an action. 

Montage:

A montage is the speed of editing, where shots are quickly juxtaposed together to create excitement. This is evident in the film "Psycho". During the shower scene the killing of the protagonist is a montage as the shots are very quick helping to build the thrill of the scene.

Conclusion: 

From researching the different types of editing it has helped me understand which types of edits will be the best to create my thriller. I plan to use the dissolve, reaction shot and montage as I feel they are the most engaging for my audience. All three help the film flow better and maintain excitement throughout. I plan on avoiding the wipe cut as even though it helps one scene move to another, it does not create thrill for the audience.