Keep sound levels consistent throughout each scene. Here is an example from the Matrix:Ĭut from one moving shot to another or from one still shot to another. Think about the most appropriate transitions you can use to join different shots.Įdit during an action, rather than at the start or end of the action, for a smoother scene. Pace each shot so that viewers can understand it without losing interest. Here is another example from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off:Īdd a mid shot between a closeup and a long shot for better flow.Įstablish locations and settings with long shots. If necessary, insert cutaways between similar shots. Get creative and avoid cuts between similar shots.
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When you’re editing, eliminate the fluff, and use shots that tell the story.ĭon’t hesitate to leave out great footage if it doesn’t move the story along.Įach cut should reveal a new perspective or additional information. Think about editing as the director films a scene, and plan or recommend appropriate shots. When you start out in this field, follow these principles of film editing.
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This technique involves adding sound effects or music to film.Ī wipe is a pattern or visual element that appears as one shot transitions into another.Įditing Techniques and Principles for Filmmakers This technique involves alternating over-the-shoulder shots of two characters, usually as they talk with each other.Īlso known as a hard cut, this type of cut goes from shot to shot without a transition. This lengthy shot typically lasts for a whole scene. This technique moves text or graphics up or down the screen.Įssentially a rough draft, this cut is the first draft of a film. Here is a montage from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly:
#Best movie editing scenes series
Here is an example from Lawrence of Arabia:Ī montage is a series of shots that can tell a story or make an emotional impact. Here is an example from 2001: A Space Odyssey: This editing technique juxtaposes two shots with similar compositions. This type of cut is sudden and excludes key parts of the action.įor an L cut, the audio and visual components change at different rates between shots. This editing technique involves playing the audio before the visual aspect. This transition involves a circle that increases and then decreases in size. With a fade, visual and audio elements gradually disappear as new ones take over to suggest a new setting or time. This editing technique reveals what the characters see or experience rather than showing the characters themselves. This shot shows a location to help viewers understand the scene’s setting. The film editing process is part of the post-production process and involves either physical film or digital technology.Ĭross-cuts, fades, dissolves, wipes, and jump cuts are all editing transitions. This occurs when the beginning of one shot gradually overlaps the end of another.Įditing involves choosing and combining film footage to create a complete story. This technique refers to a shot from another scene interrupting an action shot. Use cuts to transition from one shot into another.
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This technique gives the appearance that two storylines are happening simultaneously. This type of mistake happens when inconsistent actions or visual elements appear in shots. This editing technique creates an ongoing stream of action. If you want to become an editor, you need to learn some essential film editing terms and techniques. Film editing techniques are used by film editors to tell stories using video content through importing film footage, organizing shots by scenes and takes, and assembling the pieces to create a compelling story.Įssential Film Editing Terms and Techniques