The main aspects of editing

A presentation of 5 main editing concepts in film

Establishing shot

An establishing shot in a film or television is used to set up or establish the context for a scene by showing the relationship between it’s important characters and objects.

For example, an establishing shot is used in the first Star Wars film where you are shown a vast expanse of outer space with lots of stars.

180° degree rule

This rule ensures the same space is described in each shot. It’s a basic guideline regarding the on-screen spatial relationship between a character and another character or object within a scene.

It is often used in Eastenders because a lot of the plot involves the characters having conversations.

Shot/reverse shot

Shot/reverse shot (or shot/counter shot) is a film technique where one character is shown looking at another character (often off-screen) and then the other character is shown looking back at the first character.

This technique is used in most soaps as it is a good way to show two people having a conversation.

Transitions Editing transitions are the different ways to link shots together in the editing process. It describes how one shot moves into the next. Different transitions can create slightly different meanings for the audience.• Jump Cut - A cut between two shots of the same object, character or scene where

the angle of the camera is less than 45 degrees • Fade to black – this is when a gradual disappearance of the image into a black

screen.

These are used a lot in TV programmes like the X factor for example in the opening sequence the graphics change from one to the other with different transitions.

Pace and tempo/shot duration

The duration of a shot will usually reflect the context of the narrative.• Short shot duration – conveys urgency between the characters in the

scene• Long shot duration – it conveys detail and intimacy with narrative which is

important in complicated storylines and situations.

These are used a lot in action/thriller films because some scenes are fast pace and require short shot durations to get as much of the action in as possible to convey an urgency and also suspense.