#16 - Shot Editing Techniques

Hello there! 

I know it's been a while since I've covered any new concepts/topics I learned in class, but that changes today! I want to cover editing techniques commonly used in media. There's quite a few of them, but I making this post will give me an opportunity to review them. Let's get into it!

Shot/Reverse Shot

This is a technique where a character is shown looking at another character, then the other character is shown looking back at the first character. This makes it seem like they are looking at each other.

Eyeline Match

An eyeline match indicates what a character is seeing to the audience. It makes the audience feel as though you are looking at something through the eyes of the character. This editing technique can also be used to continue the gaze of the character.

Graphic Match / Match Cut

A graphic match is a transition technique. The cut can be used to skip forward or backward in time while maintaining a continuity of action and created a link between the images that the cut uses. This cut is the most interesting to me when watching content, and it always stands out to me. For example, in the pilot episode of Nashville, there is a match cut between the lights of Reyna's room at home and the lights on stage, showing how she is one person with two identities (Rayna the mother and Rayna the country star).

Action Match

An action match is technique where the editors cuts one shot into anther that matches the first shot's action. An example of this is when a character hugs another and two shots showing this are cut together. When done correctly, this looks very seamless.

Jump Cut

A jump cut is when two sequential shots of the same subject are taken from slightly different (or even the same) camera position, This technique helps to communicate the passage of time.

Crosscutting

Crosscutting is when the camera cuts away from one action to another action. This sometimes suggests that the actions are happening simultaneously, and can also help build suspense.

Parallel Editing

This is a form of cross cutting where editors alternate between two or more scenes that are happening simultaneously in different locations in the film. The scenes eventually have an action that connect them, and can be used to create tension or dramatic irony.

Cutaway

This is a technique where a continuously filmed action is interrupted by inserting a shot of something else. For example, a shot of someone walking could be interrupted by a shot of someone watching them from a distance. This could be used to create suspense or comic relief.

Insert

This shot is any shot that is meant to focus the viewer's attention on a specific detail in the scene. When taken from the point of view of the character, it allows the audience to see what has the character's attention. This can look like a close-up of a letter the character is reading or a close-up of a small detail in the scene.

That's all the techniques I'll be covering today! Did you learn something new? I know I did!

References

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