Editing Techniques in Film

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to editing techniques in film

Continuity Editing

A system of editing where time and space are consistent and occur in chronological order to create a seamless narrative flow.

Non-continuity Editing

A system of editing where time and space are disrupted.

Cutaway

A cut that moves away from the main action to show something else momentarily.

Eyeline Match

An editing technique where a shot cuts to the object of a character's attention.

Shot-Reverse Shot

Cutting between a shot of subject A and a shot of subject B, often used in conversations.

Insert Shot

A shot that emphasises a specific prop or detail within a scene, highlighting important elements that might otherwise be overlooked in wider shots.

Eye Trace

An editing technique that keeps the audience's attention fixed on a specific part of the frame with each new shot that is cut to.

Split Edit

An edit where the audio and video transition at different times, creating a more natural flow.

J-Cut

An editing technique where audio from the next shot plays before the video cuts to it. This is a type of ‘split edit’

L-Cut

An editing technique where audio continues from the current shot even after it has cut to the next shot. This is a type of ‘split edit’.

Straight Cut

a ‘normal’ cut to transition from shot to shot

Match Cut

When transitioning shots are visually similar, but signifying a change in time or location

Cutting on Action

A technique where a cut is made during an action to maintain fluidity of the scene

Jump Cut

Creates the impression of jumping through time, it relies on the viewer filling in the gaps.

Cross Cutting and Parallel Editing

A film editing technique that alternates between two or more scenes happening simultaneously in different locations.

Long Take

A continuous shot that lasts for an extended duration without cuts.

Visual Effects

Digital enhancements added in post-production to create imagery that cannot be captured on camera, often involving computer-generated elements.

Montage

A filmmaking technique that involves piecing together a series of short shots to condense time, convey a lot of information quickly, or show the progression of events, and is part of ‘non-continuity’ editing.