Fast paced editing is used to create a sense of urgency and build tension in films. Various editing techniques like jump cuts, cross cutting, cut aways, and match on action are employed to focus the audience on important plot points. Music and sound effects also play a role, with fast paced music building energy and sounds of clocks, footsteps, and violence adding realism and tension. Slower moments are sometimes incorporated to reflect low points for characters or build anticipation for key events.

1. EDITING IN ACTION
By Melissa Minshull

2. Pace
■ Editing is fast paced
■ This is to create a sense of urgency
■ The fast paced editing also helps to build tension and suspense
■ This can be mixed with one or two scenes with a slow pace
■ This is done to reflect that the hero of the film is at a low point or is struggling/feeling
down
■ It can also be used to emphasise what is happening on screen

3. EditingTechniques Used
■ Jump cuts – Shows the passing of time
■ Cross cutting – Shows two things going on at the same time. Often used in chase
scenes or group fights
■ Cut away - Shows the characters reaction to something, helps further plot
■ Match on action – Shows the same action continuously from different angles. Draws
focus onto specific items or movements that are important to the plot
■ Elliptical editing – Removes unnecessary parts of journeys/actions to keep the
audience interested and in suspense
■ Rhythmic editing – cutting in time to the music to create energy in the piece

4. Music and Sound Effects
■ Fast paced music helps build energy and urgency
■ Common sound effects –Clocks ticking and footsteps. Shows urgency builds tension.
■ Sounds of violence are also common in action films to help bring realism to scenes
containing violence
■ However before a big event in the film slow drawn out music may play to build tension
and draw in the audience