Editing Techniques

Match on Action- A shot that cuts to another continuing piece of action movement between the shots. it allows the audience  to see a smooth action despite a cut in the shot. For example a man shoots a gun and the editor would preform an action match to make the gun shoot another person. An example of this is on the show 'Friends' when chandler is stood outside the door and then the shot cut and from a different angle to show him walking through the door.
Shot reverse shot - A shot that captures two people having a conversation and is likely to be used along side over the shoulder shot. It cuts between the two people so there not in the same shot. It can help create a contrast between the characters and make them seem different and highlights their differences.
Cross cutting - Where the editor cuts between two spate scenes in two separate locations at the same time the illustrates link between the characters. It can be a phone call in different locations or just to show the link between two different people for example during the godfather christening/murder scene


Jump cut - The move from one shot to another a very similar scene but missing a piece of action. E.g. A character walking from one side of the room to another but you don't see every movement. This creates a break in the continuity and disorientates the audience but increases the pace of scene. It could also be used when getting ready/shaving speed up the process or to draw out attention to things that the character is thinking about like a prop and then cuts to that prop.

Fast pace cut - This is to increase the speed and excitement in an action scene usually follows beat of the music. For example on the mission impossible host protocol trailer.

Wipe - This is used to move the action on without a jump cut and make the edit seen smooth and calm. for example in the film jaws when the screen cuts to the next every time a person walk past. 



Dolly shot - This shot zooms in and out at the same time to make the scene more tense and the audience more nervous whilst watching. for example during the jaws scene when the main character tells everyone to get out of the water.
Dissolve - when the first shot is on screen and the second shot starts appearing on top of it till all you can see is the second shot. Its used to link two similar scenes used to show time moving. An example of this is breaking bad as it uses it very often during the series.

Visual effects - This is when graphics are shown on screen like numbers, letters and dates. For example csi the intelligent person will have graphics around then to show the information and what there thinking. It can also be used to push along a storyline for example in I am legend.

Graphic match - this is used to match two scenes together and two link the shot together. For example blowing out a match and background turns orange or a young girl playing with a red doll and then cut to a woman holding a girl with a red dress.
Slow motion - This shot is used to slow down the pace. for example a fight scene throwing a punch like the watchmen opening scene or the zombie land opening scene.
sound bridge- this is when music is played during one scene and then carried on into he next scene. for example a character may be plain music over the radio whilst getting ready and then in the next scene when there driving or doing another action the music carries on over the top.