Understanding editing in films

Action match - Matching the two actions together e.g walking down the stairs.

Continuity - The action carries on, continuous.

Cross cutting - Alternating scenes that are happening at the same time but in different locations. The pace gradually gets faster and tension builds.

Cutaways - An action, a different action or scene and then back to the original action.

Cutting - To show realism, for example in conversations.

Dissolve - Where an image appears underneath another so both can be seen until there is just one.

Ellipsis - To take out the boring parts.

Eyeline Match - 3 shots, 1. characters face, 2. what they are looking at, 3. their reaction.

Fade in, fade out - Fades slowly into black and the next shot is shown.

Graphic Match - When 2 shots match graphically, often with an over lap transition, e.g Red traffic light turning into the sun.

Insert - Inserting a different shot from a different angle, doesnt cover the master shot. (acts as extra information)

Jump cut - To shorten a scene, e.g going down the stairs.

Long take - Creates a slower pace and conveys intensity and intimacy.

Non continuity - A miss match of scenes.

Parallel editing - 2 shots showing at once.

Post production - the editing after shooting.

Short take - Quick action shots (2 seconds). Conveys urgency e.g chase sequence.

Shot/reverse shot - Switching between 2 shots to show a conversation.

Slow motion - A shot is slowed down.

Superimposition - When 1 image is laid on top of another.

Visual effects - Distortion of the image for effect.

Wipe - A bar either horizontally or vertically come across the screen and the scene changes with the bar.