Film Editing Basics - Chapter 8

Film Editing Overview

• Editing is the creative process of selecting, arranging, and assembling elements of a film.
• The fundamental building block of film editing is the shot.

Core Concepts in Film Editing

• The cut is the primary tool used in film editing.
• Each shot has two explicit values: what is present in the shot and its relation to other shots.

Kuleshov Effect

• An effect demonstrating that the same actor can evoke different emotions based on surrounding shots, influencing audience perception.

Editor Responsibilities

• Editors manage spatial relationships, temporal relationships, and the overall rhythm of the film.

Types of Match Cuts

• Match on Action Cut: Continuity of motion between a character or object across shots.
• Graphic Match Cut: Similarity in shape and form between two shots.
• Eyeline Match Cut: Connects a character's gaze with the object they are looking at.

Editing Techniques

• Cutting: Traditional technique involving literal scissors to make edits.
• Splicing: Pre-digital method using glue or tape to join film segments.

Spatial vs. Temporal Relationships

• Spatial Relationship: How objects are arranged in relation to reference objects, often represented by bounding boxes.
• Temporal Relationship: The timing between events that enables understanding of causality.

Rhythm in Film

• Defined as the arrangement of sounds based on duration and stress.

Editing Styles

• Classic Editing: Known for shorter shot lengths and rapid cuts.
• Continuity Editing: Merges related shots to maintain story consistency across time and space.

Key Editing Terms

• Continuity: The persistent existence of narrative elements over time.
• Ellipsis: Omitting film time to enhance dramatic or comedic effects.
• Cutting on Action: Editing technique that cuts during an action's motion for fluidity.

Shot Relationships

• Shot/Reverse Shot: Alternating shots between characters engaging with each other.
• Master Shot: A comprehensive view of an entire scene from a single angle.

Visual Guidelines

• 180 Degree Rule: Ensures characters maintain a consistent left/right relationship during shots.
• Axis of Action: An imaginary line guiding camera positioning to maintain viewer orientation.

Specific Editing Techniques

• Jump Cut: Deletes a segment of film to advance action abruptly.
• Fade In/Out vs. Dissolve: Fades transition to black or color, whereas dissolves blend two shots to signal time passage.
• Split Screen: Displays two narratives concurrently by dividing the screen.
• Parallel Editing/Cross Cutting: Juxtaposes two or more distinct actions to create the illusion of simultaneous events.

This quiz encompasses key concepts from Chapter 8 of film editing, focusing on essential terminology and definitions. Test your understanding of fundamental elements such as shots, cuts, and the editing process in filmmaking.