Research - Editing

    Hey everybody! For this blog post, I wanted to do more research into editing and how it affects the overall end product of a film. Since we chose to do the film opening for our brief, editing is going to be one of the final steps that shapes how it actually feels to the audience. Tejal and I spent some time researching different editing techniques so that, before we edit out project together, we could understand how professionals do it.

Continuity Editing

    One of the most common editing styles used in film is something called continuity editing. This method of editing focuses on arranging shots in a way that keeps the action smooth and easy for the audience to follow. Ideally, the editing should feel almost invisible so viewers stay focused on the story rather than the cuts themselves.

    Continuity editing often uses techniques like shot-reverse-shot, match on action, and eye-line matches. Shot-reverse-shot is commonly used during conversations, where the film cuts back and forth between two characters speaking. Match on action connects two shots through movement, allowing an action that starts in one shot to continue in the next shot. These techniques help maintain visual consistency so the audience understands where characters are and how they interact.

    Because film openings introduce the story and characters as well as general opening exposition, continuity editing can help make sure the audience understands what is happening from the start and can immerse themselves in the diegesis.

Types of Cuts

    While researching editing, we also looked at the different types of cuts editors use to transition between shots. The most common is the straight cut, which simply moves from one shot to the next. This type of edit is used frequently because it keeps scenes moving naturally. Simply put, it's the bread and butter of film editing.

    Another technique is the jump cut, where two visually similar shots are placed next to each other on the timeline so it looks like it skips forward slightly. Jump cuts can often feel abrupt (which is why they're usually avoided), but filmmakers occasionally use them to show time passing or to create tension.

    Editors also use a technique called cross-cutting, which alternates between two different scenes happening at the same time. This technique is often used to build suspense by showing events unfolding in separate locations. For our film specifically, it could be used to show the protagonist and love interest (that's what I mentioned in the last blog!) getting ready at the same time, helping to establish the setting and characters.

    There are also a few interesting cuts that Tejal and I have specifically learned through our TV program, those being the J-Cut and L-Cut. A J-Cut involves the audio of the next scene beginning before the visual of that scene. An L-Cut is the reverse, with the visual of the next scene beginning before the audio. A good visual representation Tejal used is the one below, which helps to show the difference.

Sound in Editing

    Importantly, editing also includes sound, not just visuals. During post-production, editors combine dialogue, sound effects (diegetic and non-diegetic), and music to create the final audio for a scene. These elements help shape the overall tone of the film.

    One technique editors use is a sound bridge, where audio from the next scene begins before the visual cut occurs. This helps transitions feel smoother and keeps the audience engaged. Music can also influence the mood of a scene. For example, suspenseful music can make a moment feel tense, while softer music might create a calmer atmosphere (especially for a romance!).

Reflection

    After researching editing techniques, I've realized even more so what a major role editing plays in shaping how a story is presented. The way shots are arranged determines the pacing of the scenes and how clearly the audience understands what is happening. Techniques like continuity editing help maintain clarity, while different types of cuts and sound transitions can affect the tone of the sequence.

    For our film opening, we will likely focus on continuity editing so the introduction of the story is easy to follow. We will also need to think about how our cuts and sound choices influence the pacing of the scene once we begin assembling the footage.

    Anyhow, that's it for today's blog! See you all in the next one. Stay tuned!

    P.S. - My sources are below!

Sources

• Dancyger, Ken. The Technique of Film and Video Editing. Routledge, 2018.
• MasterClass. “Film Editing Techniques Every Editor Should Know.” MasterClass.
• StudioBinder. “Film Editing Techniques: The Ultimate Guide.” StudioBinder.