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1. CTK – AS Media: Unit G322 Key Media Concepts: Section A Textual Analysis & Representation
TECH-EDITING
Instructions on the types of
POST PRODUCTION EDITING TECHNIQUES
You will need to identify in the exam.

2. CTK – AS Media: Unit G322 Key Media Concepts: Section A Textual Analysis & Representation
Editing Overview
Film Editing is part of the process of filmmaking, completed in Post-Production. It involves the selection of
shots into sequences, and ultimately creating a finished film or TV programme. It is an art of storytelling. It is
the only art that is unique to cinema, separating film-making from other art forms (such as photography &
writing) Film editing is often referred to as the "invisible art" because when well-practiced, the viewer can
become so engaged that they are not aware of the editor's work.
Key Editing decisions for an Editor:
1. Selection of Shots (Which individual shots to use in the programme)
2. Arrangement of Shots (What order/sequence should the individual shots go in)
3. Length of Shot: (How long in the edit should each shot be used for)
Continuity Editing:
• The dominant style of editing in Film and Television
• Involves arranging the sequence of shots to guide an audience through a progression of events.
• Supports the narrative (tells a story, logically following a series of events to their conclusion).
• The goal of continuity editing is to make the work of the editor as ‘invisible’ as possible.
• The viewer should not notice the cuts, and shots should flow together naturally. Hence, the sequence
of shots should appear to be continuous.
• It makes us forget that we are watching a TV programme, as it appears more ‘real’.
Cutting:
• Cut (straight cut): When the editor switches from one ‘shot’ to the next.
• Cross-Cutting: Used to establish action occurring at the same time in two different locations. In a
cross-cut, the camera will cut from one action (scene) to another, often linked through the narrative.
Pace of Editing/Length of Shot:
• Quick Cuts: Fast paced straight cuts, where no transitions are used. Quick cuts can be used to help
create tension, panic, and are used for fast dramatic effect (Action films/Car chases etc).
• Long Take: A shot that continues for an unusually long time before the transition or cut to the next
shot or scene. This shot cannot be broken up by any kind of a cut or transition.

3. CTK – AS Media: Unit G322 Key Media Concepts: Section A Textual Analysis & Representation
Other Editing Techniques:
Transitions: replaces a ‘straight cut’ to the next shot/scene using Fades (in/out), Washes (in/out), Wipes, &
Cross Dissolves. Transitions represent the start/end of a piece, the passing of time, or to show a flashback.
Match on Action: the cutting of various different shots showing a continuation of action seen in the previous
shot. Matching the movement across two shots makes the motion uninterrupted.
Reaction Shot: a cut to a shot which shows an actor’s reaction, with no dialogue, to what was in the previous
shot (another actor's actions, words, or to an event). Linked to NVC.
Shot/Reverse Shot: used for filming dialogue. During a conversation the camera alternates between subjects
cutting back and forth (over the shoulder shot) as each character recites a line.
Eye-Line Match: a shot which cuts to an object the character was looking at in the previous shot.
Elliptical Editing (Compression of Time): Used compress the amount of time a show plays out for. Aside from
the U.S show ‘24’, TV dramas are not shot in real time, enabling them to cover an entire day in 30 minutes.
Cutaway: Cuts used to break up a long take. Shots will not be of the subject but of the surroundings, e.g.
crowds looking on, shots of the location where the subject is.
Additional Learning
Jump Cut: rarely used in TV, but a jump cut refers to when middle frames are taken out of a shot and the
start and end are joined back together. Objects appear to jump to a new position.
Superimposition: Placement of an image on top of the original shot (Superimposed).
Slow motion (Slowmo): is a film editing technique whereby time appears to be slowed down. Achieved
when each film frame is captured at a rate much faster than it will be played back.
180° Rule: a guideline that two characters in the same scene should have the same left/right relationship, the
camera cannot pass over the imaginary axis connecting the two.
Fourth Wall: convention of TV drama. Refers to the imaginary "wall" at the front of the stage/set, leaving
only a three-walled room/set (from where the audience/viewers consume the action).
Graphic Match: a cut in which what was in the last shot, is similar to what is in the first shot, similar in the
sense of compositional elements (size, shape, colour).
Expansion of Time: when an editor or director drags out a happening beyond the actual time represented. It
can enhance tension and make far more of an emotional impact.
Links to other Technical Areas:
Often, but not always, editing techniques can be linked to other technical areas. Look out for these! If you
have mentioned one, then perhaps you can double your marks by mentioning the other?
Shot/Reverse Shot (Editing) is regularly used when a conversation is taking place. Over the Shoulder Shots
(CAM) and Two Shot (CAM) are also commonly used during conversations.
Reaction Shot (Editing), and NVC (Mise-en-scene) have a strong relationship. A characters reaction to
something, through NVC, can tell you a lot about their representation.
Eye-Line Match (Editing), and P.O.V. Shot (CAM). If a character is seen looking at something off screen, then
an eye line match and possibly a P.O.V shot can be used at the same time.