Editing Techniques Flashcards
The ‘Cut’
A ‘cut’ is a sudden change of shot from one viewpoint or location to another.
What can a ‘cut’ be used for?
It can be used to:
- Change the scene;
- Compress time;
- Vary the point of view; or
- Build up an image or idea.
Matched ‘cut’
In a ‘matched cut’ a familiar relationship between the shots may make the change seem smooth:
When are ‘cuts’ usually made?
The cut is usually made on an action (for example, a person begins to turn towards a door in one shot; the next shot, taken from the doorway, catches him completing the turn). Because the viewer’s eye is absorbed by the action he is unlikely to notice the movement of the cut itself.
Why are matched ‘cuts’ used?
They can be used for:
- Continuity of direction
- Completed action
- A one-step change of shot size (e.g. long to medium);
- A change of angle (conventionally at least 30 degrees).
Jump cut
Abrupt switch from one scene to another which may be used deliberately to make a dramatic point. Sometimes boldly used to begin or end action. Alternatively, it may be result of poor pictorial continuity, perhaps from deleting a section.
Motivated cut
Cut made just at the point where what has occurred makes the viewer immediately want to see something which is not currently visible (causing us, for instance, to accept compression of time)
What case are motivated cuts usually used in?
A typical feature is the shot/reverse shot technique (cuts coinciding with changes of speaker). Editing and camera work appear to be determined by the action. It is intimately associated with the ‘privileged point of view’
Cutting rate
Frequency with which cuts are made. Frequent cuts may be used as deliberate interruptions to shock, surprise or emphasize.
Cutting Rhythm and its effects
A cutting rhythm may be progressively shortened to increase tension. Cutting rhythm may create an exciting, lyrical or staccato effect in the viewer.
Cross-cut
A cut from one line of action to another. Also applied as an adjectuve to sequences which use such cuts.
Cutaway/cutaway shot (CA)
A bridging, intercut shot between two shots of the same subject. It represents a secondary activity occurring at the same time as the main action.
When and why would ‘cutaway’ shot be used?
It may be used to avoid the technical ugliness of a ‘jump cut’ where there would be uncomfortable jumps in time, place or viewpoint. It is often used to shortcut the passing of time.
Reaction shot
Any shot, usually a cutaway, in which a participant reacts to action which has just occurred.
Insert/insert shot
A bridging close-up shot inserted into the larger context, offering an essential detail of the scene (or a reshooting of the action with a different shot size or angle.)
