Glossary of editing techniques and transitions.

Editing

Continuity Editing

Continuity Editing is when a scene is edited so it attracts attention to a specific object, character or an event in the film. It gives the film rhythm because it allows you to move through time smoothly.

Transitions

Dissolve

This is a transition which goes from one shot to another fluidly. It allows the scene to keep continuity from a place or person to another. This allows the audience to know that time is passing.

Straight Cuts

A straight cut is the most common type of transition because it keeps the continuity in the film. Also it keeps pace in the selected part of the film.

Fade to black/white

This is where a shot fades either into or out from black or white. This can be effective in a film because it gives the sense of time passing.

Cross-Cutting

This type of transition is used to create links between sequences of the scene. This can create tension in the film.

Jump Cut

This is when there is a quick cut between shots. This is effective when showing futuristic scenes whist in the future.

Fade in/out

This is a shot that fades in and out from a clear black. This causes the effect of progression in time also the sense of chaos.

Wipe

This is where a line moves across the screen allowing transition to happen one shot to another.

Sound

Diegetic Sound

Diegetic sound is heard on and recorded from the location of a film such as speech or sounds.

Non- Diegetic Sound

Non-diegetic sound is added when a film is being edited. This is mostly used to add an atmosphere to a scene.

Shot Reverse Shot

A shot reverse shot is where you edit together two shots from two different camera positions. This gives the impression of a conversation taking place.

Match on Action

Match on action is when shots are edited together to show how actions progress through time.

Mise-en-Scene

Mise-en-scene means anything that is in the shot. This has come from the French “put in the scene”.

Different types of Mise-en Scene

1.  Location

2.  Costume

3.  Props

4.  Lighting

These are all used to identify something or someone in the scene.