Editing techniques

Cut

The cut is the most common type of video transition. It simply means replacing one shot instantly with the next.

When using modern cameras, you can stop and start when you want to, which will automatically cut between each shot. Below, is an example of a cut transition:

When I watched the 'Kick Ass 2 trailer', and I discovered that there are many cut transitions. This is a perfect example of directors and producers use cut transitions for effect. To view this trailer, click on the video below:

Cross fade/ dissolve

A gradual fade from one shot to the next is known as a cross-fade, mix or dissolve, this slows the pace of the video, relaxation, photo montages, conveying a sense of passing time or location. Below, right is an example of a dissolve transition:

Shot, reverse shot

A shot, reverse shot, is used to show an interaction between two characters, with an over the shoulder shot. This usually follows from an establishing shot, then draws into the shot, reverse shot. To the left, is an example of a shot, reverse shot transition.

                                                                             
Jump cut

A jump cut is a transition between two shots which appears to jump forward in time, for example the character is at one place in one shot, then in another shot hes in another. This transition is used in nearly in every film, and used effectively.

Graphic Match and cut away cut

A graphic match is a cut in the film editing between either tow different objects, two different spaces, or two different spaces, or two different compositions in which an object in the two shots graphically different but the same shape. A cut away transition when you cut to another angle while filming a particular character or object.. The film 'Space Odessey ('2001) demonstrates a brilliant graphic match cut where a bone thrown by a Neanderthal throwing a bone which transits into a satellite, which is are similar shapes (shown to the right).
To view this clip, click in the on the video below:

In class we looked at this about this video about jump cuts, match cuts and cut away cut. Below is the link to this video:

Parallel editing/inter-cutting

A technique which cuts between two separate events that are occurring at the same time within the context of the film. The editing cuts between the two scenes. This is used in many films (especially superhero and action films) and TV programmes such as Eastenders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Holby City, which most of the British public watch everyday. Therefore, it is a technique we are bound to come across this technique, as it its commonly used. An example of parallel editing is from infamous film 'The Godfather. Click on the video to the right to view this:

Match on Action

A match on action is a cut that connects two different views of the same action at the same moment. Usually captured using a multi-camera set up or the scene your going to film, or it won’t look right and correct as it will look delayed. 

Montage

A montage is when a collection of scenes shows us a lot of things happening at the same time, usually showing us something really good or extraordinary. 

Wipe

A wipe is a very dated form of transition, when one side is wiped (moves across) to the other side. From left to right, right to left, diagonal in different directions.However, this transition isn't used that much these days because film makers don't see at as professional and suitable as the other transitions. Below is an example of a the different wipe transitions: