Film Editing Techniques

Film Editing Techniques

Introduction

Editing is one of the most important aspects in the process of development of a film. Editing is required to provide a proper flow and continuity in a film. The process of editing is post-production, after the completion of all the scenes in a film. Editing alone has the power to transform an average film into a master piece. Editing must also needs to be done in accordance with the script of the film. Special emphasis is given to each shot in a film, so that shots are not too short or too long and still be able to fulfil the purpose.

We start editing process by first arranging all the best shots according to a storyline. This process is known as rough cut. After that, we need to refine our rough cut by using other editing techniques such as, overlapping edits, reaction shot, cutaways etc. Editors often use transition techniques such as fade in, fade out, wide in etc. according to the script and cinematography of the film. These processes may have only applied to the video of the film, but editors often also edit audio and texts, if present, in a film.

Discussion

Different editing techniques have been used through out the history. Broadly speaking, editing history can be divided in two periods. Modern day techniques used at present are known as contemporary editing techniques while before them, editors use what they now call as 'contemporary editing techniques'. In the classical editing period, filmmakers used to shoot for a long length. Little to no effects was used in the editing process. This is also due to lack of technology present at that time. The advancement is digital technology has greatly affected how editing is now being done. After the end of the classical editing period, we came with the period which we now call as contemporary or post-modern editing period (Davis, 2003, pp.nd). In this period, much advancement in the field of editing has been accomplished. Several editing techniques have since been introduced and we are coming up with new techniques with each new film. A lot of technology through computers, video editing tools, audio editing tools etc. has been used. With the introduction of these technologies, new editing techniques have also been introduced by editors. These techniques are being given several names such as, jump cuts, parallel editing, cross cutting, elliptical editing, reversal shot, slow motions etc. to name a few. It is important to point out that editors have given an utmost important to the kind of editing technique they use according to the overall plot, script and feel of the film. An action movie uses a different variety of editing technique than for example a comedy or romantic film. A good film can never be completed without using a proper form of editing technique while maintaining the essence of the film in the truest sense.

The two films and the differences in their editing styles which we will discuss are Yi Yi (2000) ...