Editing Techniques

Editing is an art of story telling, therefore, it is a very important part of our coursework, the trailer (or particular genre you are producing) has to flow and look believable.
The shots the editor chooses and the order in which they are combined sets the space and time of the film and guides the audience's attention.

Here are some common continuity editing techniques. I have included here to show my knowledge and understanding, I will also relate it to my coursework to demonstrate how I have been aware of the different techniques and rules of editing. And also about the conventions for trailers.

One thing that isn't yet in our trailer but will soon be edited in is our montage sequence. This is a series of short shots that are edited together in a sequence to advance the narrative. It is commonly used in trailer to create suspense to the audience. In many cases a song is played in the background to enhance the mood. The way in which images are joined can produce shock, excitement and fascination.

The 180 degree rule is the imaginary line that passes from side to side through the actors. It basically cannot be broken (unless for effect) this is for many reasons but mainly not to confuse or loose the dialogue or any important parts of the film. In our coursework we made sure we didn't break the rule, look at our first scene...Charlotte opens the door and when she walks into the classroom the camera is also on the same side, this makes the continuity flow and doesn't confuse the audience.

Match on action is an edit that puts two different shots of the same action together, making it appear to continue uninterrupted. This is used when Charlotte is outside Summers house. We use a total of 3 shots for this piece of action. One is a close up of a long angled shot looking up at Charlotte. The next cuts to Summer in her room, However the audience can see Charlotte outside, it is therefore the same piece of action just different perspectives, the last cut is from behind Charlotte and her turning her head.

Shot, reverse shot is used when two shots are edited back and forth between two characters. This is not currently in our trailer but will be between Summer and her boyfriend.