Editing Terms Flashcards
Shot/reverse shot
An editing pattern that cuts to the view in the opposite direction. Commonly used in dialogue, cutting from one speaker to another.
Eyeline match
When we see a character look in a direction then the next cut gives a shot of what they see.
Graphic match
When we cut or transition to a shot showing an object of a similar shape in the same place on the screen.
Action match
A shot of a character making an action is followed by a cut to the shot of the next logical action.
Jump cut
Unusual editing pattern, where a few frames have been removed from a continuous action, giving a jerky, unnaturalistic feel to the presentation of the action
Crosscutting
A cut to a piece of action that is happening at the same time or perhaps in and out of a series of flashbacks
Parallel editing
Running two or more sequences of action that are happening at the same time and we cross cut between them
Insert
A cut from a wide shot or master shot to a closer shot of detail that is already within the first shot.
Cutaway
A cut from the main action to a piece of related action somewhere elsewhere or just out of the frame
Long take
We do not see an edit for a long period of time- it is a continuous take
Short take
This is used in montage and means we have rapid edits from shot to shot
Slow motion
Slows the action down from real time speed.
Ellipsis
Where a cut does not go to the next instant of drama but leaves a gap, which could be seconds, minutes, hours, months or years.
Sometimes it is denoted by a caption “six months later”
Expansion of time
Is the opposite of ellipsis and montage- achieved by slow motion or using long takes
Dissolve
Where the image appears gradually to break into tiny particles, usually leaving the next shot to emerge from behind
