Unit 21

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Film Editing
 WHAT IS EDITING?
• Editing is the process by which film is assembled
into a sequence.
• Early film editing was done by women.
• Editing can also help with the narrative. Editing is
just as important and effective because it sets a
meaning for the film.
EDITING TECHNIQUES
 180 Degree Rule – directors use an invisible axis as a guide. Camera will stay on one side.
More of a guideline than it is a rule.
 Shot/Reserve Shot
 Match Cut – using two shots with similar graphics showing the transition between two
scenes simultaneously pushes it in a certain direction, without disorienting the viewer. e.g. a
lit match and a thematic match, heat of the fire is linked to the heat of the desert
 Montage - signifies the passage of time or helps to give an overall context to the story with
quick cuts.
 Reverse Motion
 Shot/Reserve Shot - Two or more shots edited together that alternate characters, typically in
a conversation situation
 CGI [computer generated imagery] - used in films, television programs and commercials, and
in printed media. Allows you to manipulate scale, used for visual effects to produce content
using actors, expensive set pieces or props.
 Motion Capture - transfers the movement of an actor to a digital character
 EFFECTS EFFECTS AUDIENCE
 Effects can be added that are not possible when filming  Creates an emotion on the
 Background music can intensify and heighten the emotions of a scene audience – evokes an emotion,
depending on what music is used to capture a have a personal connection with
specific moment e.g. suspense type of music will be used in a scene the film
if someone is caught in a suspicious act  Shapes our response –
 Sound effects can make a scene/moment seem more striking and make emotional impact, psychological
you more alert to a situation impact
 Corrections - audio, colour, brightness, contrast. These effects make a  Create enigma
significant difference when in the editing process of a film or show.  Audience positioning
Everything must be balanced out.

TIME NARRATIVE
 To slow or speed up a shot  Speed or slow down a
 Change the order of shots shot
 Add flashbacks or flashforwards  Plot on/off screen –
 Montage – make a connection between including texts
shots, can show a passing of time or to show  Structure
a hint towards a message and meaning.  Story on/off screen
 Ellipses editing – showing a passing of time.  Character – screen
 Shot/sequence duration time, convey certain
emotions.
SHOTS
 Editing can show a range of
shots, engage the audience
 Transitions – change of
locations –
audience positioning
 Transitions – fade, dissolve,
soft focus, hard focus
 To create an order
 TIMELINE – EDITING Electronic editors – the
ampex electronic editor
makes it possible to editing
1890: THE film and videotape without
KINETOGRAPH
Thomas Edison and physical splicing or cutting.
William Dickinson help 1920: 1924: THE 1984: EDITDROID
1900s: THE FIRST CUTS 1958: VTR 1000
pioneer the use of KULESHOV MOVIOLA A computer
The first movies with multiple Widely used and
celluloid film to create EEFECT The moviola is the 1961: EECO 900 workstation that
scenes debut, cut with scissors encouraged new
motion pictures with The kuleshov worlds first Electronic editing uses multiple
and tape on editing tables. editing methods for
their innovative effect was a successful editing controller appears analog laserdiscs
Films soon added colour, close- a magnetic medium
camera, the montage machine, invented using precise to enable random-
ups, wipe transitions and effect on film. with no visible
Kinetograph. by Iwan Serrurier. timecodes. access editing.
special effects. frames.

1915: EDITING 1971: CMX 600 1989: DIGITAL EDITNG

1895: ANALOGUE 1916: THE 1960: NEW
1956: FIRST Editing with a computer
TECHNICOLOR RHYTHM EDITING TABLES The first
EDITNG VIDEO is much faster and more
Technicolor Editing rhythm Traditional film computerized
Analogue editing was RECORDER efficient for film. Footage
revolutionizes the techniques such as editing evolves non linear
used before editing on The first ampex is put onto a timeline and
way colour is cross cutting and cross beyond early editor was
a computer. video is then cut and pasted
added to film. cutting to music. Steenbeck flatbed introduced for
tape recorder into order and then the
machines with new offline editing,
was released to effects are added.
Intercine and KEM requiring disk
allow television
drives the size
to be recorded editing tables. of washing
using magnetic
machines.
tape, replacing
earlier film-to-TV
telecines.
 THE MILLER AND THE SWEEP –
ALBET GEORGE SMITH [1897]
The Miller and the Sweep was released in 1897. The entire film is
a fight scene that is orchestrated between two characters who by
the end leave the scene. Smith has used to characters to displayed
binary opposition which is seen through their costumes. White
for the hero, black for the villain. The miller is carrying a bag of
flour and is wearing white so he will seen as the hero. The
chimney sweeper is wearing black so he will be seen as the
villain.
The Miller and the Sweep was created with one single shot. There
was one technique that was used throughout the whole movie
and it was the 180 degree rule. The 180 degree rule is an invisible
axis used as a guide used by film directors. The characters will
always stay on one side of the camera. Cameras were most likely
too large to be moved around and why the movie was shot in one
distinctive shot with one continuous technique.
In 1845 Francis Ronald's was the first person to make a
successful camera that was able to make continuous recordings.
A TRIP TO THE MOON -GEORGE MELIES [1902]
A Trip to the Moon was released in 1902 and is
a French adventure film directed by George Melies. The
movie is about a group of men that travel to the moon by
being shot from a capsule that looks like a bullet from a
gun. They get captured by moon men, they eventually
escape and return to the earth. The film is captured on
a steady camera that shows a range of long shots, special
effects but doesn’t focus on dialogue or close-ups as the
quality of the film is not HD but is quite pixelated.
A TRIP TO THE MOON -GEORGE MELIES [1902]
There is a example of destructive editing with the
transistion of the first shot into the second one. The
shots have been cut up snd overlapped and then starts
from the start of the end of the first shot and the start of
the second shot. Shows time passing between both
shots.

This movie waa filmed in 1902 and because of this, this

the camera that was used to fllm wasn’t advanced enough
to zoom in and get a closer shot of the rocket going into
the moon. There is a dolly being used a moon and is
moving towards the camera .
When the creature was struck by the
weapon, a camera editing technique was
used to stop the film which allows the
producers to add in a special effect which
shows the smoke. Using this effect helps
makes the film look more realistic and
helps the audience understand the
narrative more.
In the background there is
an overlay shown, a larger
shot of the moon, earth and
star. The star is placed on
the top of the background
which allows us to easily
visualize the plot.
THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY – EDWIN
S PORTER [1903]

The great train robbery is a 1903 short silent

western film that is written, directed and
produced by Edwin Porter. There is binary
oppositions shown between the robbers – black
costumes- and the guards – white guards-. This
gives a clear narrative. There are a number of
innovative techniques that were used in the
film. There were even editing techniques
hat were new and present for the first time
including parallel editing. Minor camera
movement, location shooting and less stage-
bound camera placement was also included
in the film.
The great train robbery used cross cutting to show that two
events were occurring simultaneously. This is shown when
the director goes back and forth between the tied up
telegraph operator and the bandits on the train. Porter also
uses panning shots, where the camera follows the
characters, to focus viewers’ attention. These simple
techniques help to establish continuity between scenes and
increase suspense for the viewer. The binary opposition is
clear here because the telegraph operator is wearing white
and the bandits are wearing black costumes. This scene
(scene 1) intercuts to scene 10 where the telegraph operator
is found still tied up by his daughter.
Scene 4 there is altercation between the people who work
on the train and the bandits, we can see a fight break out. We
notice that while the fight is occurring, the cameraman
stopped filming and replaced the train worker with a
dummy in a jump cut before getting thrown off the
moving train.
To help the audience understand the plot more, Edwin s porter shows the views of all the
different narratives happening in different locations and used cross cutting to support his
plot. Destructive editing is used throughout the film which is a sophisticated. Cross cutting
creates suspense which is helpful because it increases the pace of the film for the audience.
It helps the audience as the information is withheld during the film. Th film was recorded as
if you was viewing it from a theatre audience. This reason for this is because the camera was
static and heavy to be moved around in the 1900s. It is much easier for the audience to
understand and follow the narrative because there is a more action with no sound which is
less distracting. The special effects are more sophisticated compared to ‘A Trip to the
Moon’ and ‘The Miller & The Sweep’ as shown from the use of in camera editing.
 THE BIRTH OF A NATION D.W GRIFFITH [1915]
The film starts with a scrolling list of the
actors. Uses iris to establish changes in
time. Technology was advanced in 1915 so
the narrative is understood more because
the audience is told before the film
begins. Griffith built the narrative through
continuity editing. He did this by cutting
shots together in ways that help audiences
infer connections between events. The film
begins with a scrolling script of the
characters and who they're played by. The
narrative helped the audience have a
better understanding of the film.
 Multiples narratives are created
simultaneously with the use of
cross cutting. The use of this
A clear binary opposition is shown
technique is that it condenses
with the shot of the boy and the
time and changes the location
father and daughter. The costumes
constantly which increases the
suggest something about both
continuity of the film. Some of
characters. The costume that the little
the information about the film is
boy is wearing shows that he
withheld so this allows the
was part of slavery. We can empathize
audience to continue watching.
with the boy and the siblings when
the shot shows their depression
based on their facial expression.
 CITIZEN KANE - CLOSE STUDY
Opening Scene
Citizen Kane is a mystery/drama film which was released in 1942. The opening of the film
shows an establishing, close-up shot of a sign that says ‘No Trespassing’ on a barbed wire fence in bold capital letters.
This creates a sense of danger and deep curiosity to the viewers as they wonder why that sign would be there, and
what may be going behind the closed doors. The camera starts to crane up where just the bare barbed wire fence can
be seen. This could mean that the person living in the house will always be trapped and stuck there their entire life.
The shot then transitions and fades into where we can see a distorted like barbed wire fence. Rags to riches with the
fences shown and told us through the editing.

The shot continues to crane up then the shot transitions into what seems to be a close-up shot of a gate. The following
shot shows a wider, higher portion of the gate with a ‘K’ at the top. This technique shows us the setting which creates
a gloomy mood by using lots of shadows and low-key lighting.
The following shot is a long shot shows the Xanadu estate beyond the gate with monkeys on the foreground. In the
Xanadu mansion away in the distance you can see there is one light on. Next shot dissolves into a high camera angle
with a long shot showing two boats and the mansion with the single light reflecting onto the water.

A long shot, low camera angle showing the mansion on a ground level. This suggests to the audience that the rich person
who seems to be shutting themselves away from the outside world is Charles Kane. The scene then moves onto another
long shot of a view of the outside of the mansion and you can see different types construction blocks, constructed stones
on the ground. As the scene develops we see a clearer low angle, long shot that shows where the light from the window is
shining from, a tower window.
 The next shot shows an up-close shot of the window which had the single light shining through it. You can see a bed
inside the house through the window which appears to have someone laying in it. The light suddenly dies. Straight angle
long shot from inside he mansion. Kane can be seen lying in the bed by the large window then a light comes on. Shot
dissolves into an extreme close-up of snow falling. The camera zooms out which shows where the falling snow is coming
from, a snow globe which appears to be in Kane hands.

The next shot is an extreme close-up of Kane's mouth. Cuts to an extreme close-up of his lips when he begins to whisper
the word ‘rosebud’. The emphasizes shows the importance of those words and clues us in to the impact they may have
later in the film. Cuts to a high angle close shot of the snow globe falling out of Kane's hand and shattering on the
floor. The nurse enters the room and the camera shows a low angle long shot from the globes point of view from a piece
of broken glass. We can see the reflection of the nurse as she stands by the door and starts to the walk over to a now dead
Kane.
We see the nurse take the arms of Kane and cross them over then cover with a sheet in a low angle medium shot. The
final shot shows the bed where Kane lays dead next to the window in a straight angle long shot and fades out.

Editing Techniques
• Orson Welles used a wide variety of continuity edit techniques which helps develop and move the story
along without the need to add verbal explanation of events being needed. The
• Montage editing is used in the beginning to link together things that somehow linked; a no trespassing
sign, monkeys, a creepy looking manor.
• Match on action is used with the barbed wire fences to show how Kane has separated and locked
himself away from the outside world. This is technique is also used when we notice the light that is
shining through the window suddenly turns off which is creating suspense. We later come to realize
that the exact room where the light was coming from zooms in and shows Kane on his deathbed.
• Kane's death could be seen as a form of foreshadowing, [which is more of a literal device]. This
technique could be referred to the scene when the snow globe feel from Kane's hand and broke and
when he uttered the word 'rosebud'.
Breakfast Montage Sequence
The scene begins with a flashback of an old man telling a narrative of Kanes marriage. This then
breaks up into a series of clips showing a flashforward in time. In the first scene we can the
newlyweds are very content and happy with each other. They sit across from each other in mid
chest shot, straight angle but still very close together. The lighting in the background, the music
that is playing all ties together and is a sort of metaphor for their relaionship in that exact
moment showing they are in a good place. They are both dressed in fancy evening attire. At first
the conversation focuses on them, but the conversation takes a quick turn when Emily is
concerned on how long Charles spends at the inqurier. The rest of their breakfast in shown in a
shot/reserve-shot when only one character is in the frame one at a time. This helps emphasis the
scene as we can tell from the editing, the tension is rising.
There is a swish pan signifying the passage of time. There is a use of elipsis editing which
compresses time which increases the pace of the sequence. This technique is useful because of we
can see years of marriage in a compressed, shot amount of time. During the elipsis editing, we got
to the second scene we can see a change in location because they seem further away from each
other of a much longer table and this is because are sitting at opposite ends. The background of
the lighting shining from the window cant be seen anymore because of the seating arranging
which makes the lighting much darker. The music is also gradually starts to sound darker,
suspense tone. Emily is no longer wearing fancy clothing insead a simple conservative gown and
Charles in a casual button down shirt. They look more mature and Charles now has a moustache.
There are objects (flowers, breakfast items) on the table in betweeen dividing the couple. They
seem oddly friendly with each other even though they are gradually becoming more distant.
In scene three, charles and emily get more serious and angy as the years go on. This is clear through their
expressions and vocal tones. Their clothing keeps getting more formal, emily is wearing a shirt with a dark
blazer and charles wearing a silk robe. The tone that is used between them is quite aggressive when the
couple is disagreeing. Kane is snappy in his repsonse and Emily is very bothered.

Scene 4
Sound Makeup
o playful but using deeper o more wrinkles and
notes tired eyes​
Lighting o kane has a receding
o the lighting keeps getting hair line
dimmer in the each scene Acting​
Costumes o Arguing about where
o kane is wearing a suit and the Menorah will
tie and emily is wearing be palced for their son​
dark colours
o Scene 5
Sound Makeup
o Somber music o Ageing
Lighting o Kane has less hair​
o Getting darker as time goes on Acting
Costumes o Stiff and sharp towards
o Emily is wearing white with a each other
little sparkle o All presence of civiliy
o Kane is wearing a bow tie with has disappeared.​
jacket open.

There is no dialouge in the final scene and there is siniser music to match the mood. They
both have no interest in each oher and show no concern as continue to read their papers. The
camera zooms out to a long shot showing a divide between the characters.since the first scene
this is th eoly other time we see both characters in the frame together. It is likely that is
emphasizes the change that has happened along each scene. Emily changes to something hat
is less conservative. Kane is smoking a pipe and wearing a suit and tie and there are many
objects still separating the couple.
'Miss Susan Alexander' Sequence

An anxious and frightening scene is made because of the dark and mysterious shadows that
were used. The camera moves through the objects which creates an enigma. This scene is
more scary and disturbing towards the audience because of the sound effects selected.

A dramatic effect is made due to the contrast of the outside and inside of the
restaurant. When the shot dissolves into the restaurant the dramatic effect starts.

We can fully understand Susan's character and emotions because of the seamless editing in
the sequence. We can understand that miss Kane was not feeling well due to her dialogue
and facial expressions. We easily see that miss Kane is not well because she is coughing and
her voice is weak. Her low status and gestures clearly shows that she is depressed.
Trainspotting – the interview
Trainspotting is an early use of digital cameras and the first example of non-
linear editing. The 30 degree rule, a basic film editing guideline that states the camera
should move at least 30 degrees relative to the subject between successive shots of the
same subject, was broken because the character moved more than 30 degrees between
the shots which is confusing to the audience because it is disorganized. The camera is
always moving around because the character is not acting stable but is acting frantic.
During the interview scene the character is under the influence of drugs which is causing
him to act out of place. The camera is constantly moving from a close up shot of Spud to a
long angle shot. This is done to possibly match how Spud is acting and feeling. He is acting
and speaking quite fast. Action match was used when the character got up to go towards
the character. He is shown approaching the judges at a different angle and because he is
on drugs and the audience expect him to fall or stumble.
The characters are running at a fast pace and by doing this it is creating a sense of urgency. The quick cut, fast
paced atmosphere is used to emphasize the characters and allow the audience to recognize the extremity of
the scene and initially realize the characters are fleeing from a scene of a crime.

There is slow motion editing tool used looking at Renton's POV when Renton is seen running and then turning
in towards the road where he is hit by the car. This is a great use of match on action. He stops and starts to
laugh and the length of the shots seem to be longer with slower paced editing used. This is done so that the
audience can focus on Renton and his facial expressions. Renton laughing creates a light-hearted attitude
towards his actions of theft and supposedly creating a relaxed approach towards crime.
Editing techniques are used in the opening sequence such as fade-outs in order slow the tempo down and creating
a change in pace. In addition, the 180° rule is obeyed throughout the start of the scene in order to allow the audience
to keep focus and understand what is happening.​​ There is a shot of Renton in an apartment smoking and uses a close-up
shot. A medium long-shot used to show a full shot of Renton and the affects the drugs have on him, as he looks as
though he is about to collapse and is giving the audience an understanding of his character.

Two teams of a group of men are playing football. There is a mid shot of one of the men getting the ball kicked into their
face and then falling backwards on the floor. As this is happening, Renton is in his apartment smoking and he is falling
backwards simultaneously to the person who had the ball kicked in their face. The camera shows a close-up shot
Renton's face, featuring him smoking, then panning down his body, showing his stained, scruffy clothing.
CONTEMPORARY DIGITIAL EDITING TECHNIQUES
CGI [ COMPUTER GENERATED IMAGERY]
• CGI [computer generated imagery] - used in films, television programs
and commercials, and in printed media. Allows you to manipulate scale,
used for visual effects to produce content using actors, expensive set
pieces or props. Using this digital editing technique it allows you to
enhance and take advantage of scale of the characters that you are want
to make and develop. Gives you the option to make something that is
mythical or something that is not realistically possible to do, possible
without some difficulties.
GREEN SCREENS
• A green screen is to digitally enhance the
set, props a television show or film. The
green screen is an integral part of the
special effects process known formally
as ' chroma key'. This special effect process
allows television producers and movie
makers the ability to use advanced
technology to superimpose their
subjects onto an unlimited number
of different virtual backgrounds.
 MOTION CAPTURE
DAWN OF THE PLANT OF THE APES [2014]
 Dawn of the planet of the apes is example of
a movie that used motion capture. The
actors wear a suit and headgear. It is called a
Lycra suit and it is covered in shin green
ping pong balls. The suits have a series of
sensors on them that is used to transfer the
movement of an actor to a digital character
with a 3D software using the footage that is
captured. Motion capture was used in the
film making and editing process of this film.
 Dawn of the planet of the apes used motion
capture to mimic life like actions and
representations of how apes act. The way
the crawl around, specific facial expressions
that they make.
THE MOVIOLA
The moviola was the first device that
allowed film editors to view a film
while they were editing. It was invented
in 1924 by Iwan Serrurier and was the
first machine used for motion picture.
The device allowed film editors to focus
on individual shots to decide where the
best cut point would be. The invention
was good and useful but it was tough to
sell to other film editors. In 1924 it cost
$600 and Iwan managed to sell three of
the devices between 1923 and 1924.
 STEENBECK FLATBED 1953
Steenbeck is the company that manufactures
flatbeds. Steenbeck is the brand name that is
commonly used and associated with the flatbed
as 'steenbeck flatbed'. The flatbed was a
machine that was used to edit film for motion
picture. The flatbed is one of the first and most
popular editing machine alongside with the
moviola. It wasn’t a fast operating device so it
was hard to compared to later devices.
At first the flatbed was a linear system
because you would have to scroll through all the
footage to find a specific part that you wanted to
edit which was time consuming. By the mid
1990s the flatbeds were non-linear because they
were increasingly getting replaced by computer
based programs that were non-linear.
 1970S VIDEO TEHCHNOLOGY
- LINEAR, NON-DESTRUCTIVE
EDITING SYSTEMS
Linear video editing which is also known as
tape to tape editing is the process of selecting,
arranging, and modifying images which is
done in a sequenced order, from start to finish.
The advantages of linear editing is that it
is easy to use and isnt expensive with very few
complications to the editing system. For
certain jobs, linear editing is better to use. For
example, if you need to add two sections of a
video together, it is easier and quicker to use
linear editing systems. There are
disadvantages with the editing system. It is not
possible to insert or delete scenes without re-
coyping the tapes all the subsequent scences.
If you want to replace a current clip, both clips
have to be the same length.
1990S VIDEO TECHNOLOGY
- NON-LINEAR, NON- DESTRUCTIVE EDITING SYSTEMS

Non-linear editing is a method which is a way of random access editing. This means you can
have instant access to whatever clip you want. This givs you the abilty to work on any project at
any time in any order you want, instead of going in a set order. This is what makes non-linear
more effieicent than linear editing. Original files can be stored and exit without have to
have unnecessary files of multiple copies. This allows for flexible editing. It is much easier to
change cuts and undo previous decisions. Loss of video quality is less likely to happen with
non-linear editing due to not having to constantly repeat data when different effects are added.
 SOVIET MONATGE – LEV KULESHOV
Lev Kuleshov was a Russian soviet filmmaker and film
theorist. He was one of the funders of the worlds first films
school. Kuleshov was the one who used the editing
technique knows as 'Kuleshov effect'. The Kuleshov effect
is one of the most important concept to editing. The
editing technique demonstrated a mental phenomenon
which showed that viewers could be distracted because
filmmaker could manipulate an audiences emotions with
editing. Kuleshov had experiments to show the effect of his
editing technique. Kuleshov was among the first to dissect
the effects of juxtaposition. He had a series of experiments
and did some research which he then discovered that
depending on how shots are assembled the audience will
attach a specific meaning or emotion to it. His experiment
consisted of him cutting an actor of three different
subjects: a hot plate of soup, a girl in a coffin, and a pretty
woman lying in a couch. Yet the audience raved his
performance, saying first he looked hungry, then sad, then
lustful.
PIONEERS OF SOVIET
MONTAGE – SERGEI
EINSENSTEIN
Sergei Eisenstein was a Soviet
film director and film theorist, a
pioneer in the theory and
practice of montage.
He established that through the
dynamicity of images you form a
cinematic language that can
deliver messages as clear as
verbal language.
INTELLECTUAL MONTAGE
Intellectual montage uses a range of shots which are combined with an intellectual meaning.
Intellectual montage is used to seek out a few images, but the images are rich in cultural,
symbolic and political history. Their collision brings about complex concepts that traditional
montage could not achieve. Intellectual montage sought to present things not as they were, but
as they functioned in society.
An example of intellectual montage is from 'Battleship Potemkin'. There is a image of lion
headstone that is laying down and sleeping. The next shots show the lion headstone rising up
then sitting right up. It is a visual metaphor and representation of the behavior of the soviet
during the 1900s. The lion also representation that they're ready for revolution through the
expressions of the lion.
METRIC EDITING
Metric editing is editing that follows a specific number of frames,
cutting to the next shot no matter what is happening within the
image. This technique is used to evoke the most basal and emotional
of reactions in the audience. Eisenstein uses linear time and or
mythical time. The shot of the baby in the pram falling down the
stairs shoud happen within seconds but because of metric editing,
the footage goes over a longer period time that it is supposed to.
Eisenstein creates a mythical time that shows a fall of baby taking
more time than it would take in reality.
RHYTHMIC EDITING
Rhythmic montage is the editorial relaionship of the
movement within frames and how they are just as
important as lengths of shots. Since the content of
the shot is a dominant element of the shot length,
the ascending or descending meter of the shots
makes intuitive visual sense. The odessa steps scene
is an exmpale of where rhymthic editing is used.
The pram with the baby and the soliers walking
down down the steps all link. The faster the pram
falls, the quicker the soliders go own the steps. They
both move in a rhythm to create a comparison of
opposite forces decending in unision; an innocnent
baby and a group of murderimg state troops.
TONAL EDITING
Tonal montage uses the emotional meaning of the shots and shows it through
the characters in the shots that the editing creates. The film demonstrates fear
in the odessa steps scene with the use of lights, shadows and framing. We see a
mother who ralises her son is injured and bleeding on the stairs. A close-up of
the mothers face shows her anger while she holding her son and moving up the
stairs to the state troops, in hope they were spare her and inured child. The
state troops show no mercy and shoot the woman. The few cuts in those
scenes, in addition to the relatively long shots reveal a cautious and dangerous
tone.
 TONAL EDITING

Overtonal montage is a
combination of tonal, rhythmic and
metric editing. Each element from
RHYTHMIC EDITING
each type of editing is derived and
established into helping induce an
effect from the audience. The
audience should feel emotionally
connected in some form. By having
the audience feel a harem of
emotions, the film has successfully
METRIC EDITING
created an overtonal montage.
"Fragments [cinematic shots] has
no meaning of its own but is a unit
of discourse and as such
participates in creating meaning
through its relationship with other
fragments”
VSEVOLOD PUDOVKIN
Vsevolod Pudovkin was a Russian and Soviet film director, screenwriter and actor who
developed influential theories of montage. He was one of Kuleshovs most successful and
outstanding student in the 1920s. Pudovkin has 5 editing technique
• Contrast – highlighting the contrast between two different scenarios, for example, one scene
will show someone who is wealthy amd the next scene wll show someone who is poor
• Parallelism – connecting two scenes that are not related by cutting between them together
and focusing on parallel features
• Symbolism – move on from your main scene onto something that creates a symbolic
connection for your audience
• Simultaneity – cutting between two simultanuous events as a way of driving up suspense
• Leit Motif - This ‘reiteration of theme’ involves repeating a shot or sequence at key
moments as a sort of code.
CONTRAST MONTAGE

A specific kind of montage or montage element: the subject of the

montage is contrasted with a different character or situation, to
maximize the drama.
In 'The
Godfather'(1972), there
are two scenes that keep
going back and forth
from each other. A ritual
in a church and murders
that are happening in
the city.
 Parallelism

Shaun of the dead demonstrates an exmaple parallelism. These shots show that shauns world has
changed but he hasn’t realised. The first and second shots show that the kids are not there anymore
neither are the adults. Everything around is different but he isnt. He still scratches his hea around the
same time, walks his regular path to the shop. He even trips over the sme curb walking the same path.
Shaun walks into shop and doesn’t
notice the bloody handprints. He
is oblivious to everything around
him. It also done for comedic effect.

In Jurassic Park (1997) Speilburg used parallelism

which shows the women screaming and then it cuts
to the man yawning.
Symbolism
There have representations of symbolism shown through
characters and not just through editing:
- Tyler Durden from Fight Club (1999). He's a symbol of the
"perfect body" and as he's always talking how he hates that,
he's also a symbol for hypocrisy.
- In Black Swan (2010), Nina's mother is a symbol of sexual
restrain, while Lily is a symbol of sexual freedom. The White
Swan part of Nina is a symbol of childhood (and control) and
the Black Swan is a symbol of matureness (and wildness),
while both are signs of perfection. This movie is filled with
symbolism.
- In Lawrence of Arabia (1962), T.E Lawrence lights a match
and when he blows it out, it cuts out to the next scene of a
sun rising. There is juxtaposition between both of these
scenes. Both shots represent that both the match and desert
are fiery and dangerous.
Simultaneity/Cross-Cutting
Cross-cutting is an editing technique most often used in films to establish action occurring at
the same time, and usually in the same place. In a cross-cut, the camera will cut away from one
action to another action, which can suggest the simultaneity of these two actions but this is not
always the case.

In The Silence of The Lambs (1991), the scenes cuts between a swat team trying
to hunt a murderer whilst the murderer was trying to rescue a dog. At the end,
the swat team realise that it was a red herring because they were at the wrong
house. This would make the audience confused since they would think the
murderer would be caught by the swat team however the FBI was at the
murderer’s house instead.
Leit Motif
A leit motif is a "short, constantly recurring musical phrase"
associated with a particular person, place, or idea.

This scene in jawns is used to reflect the

tension as the shark is about to attack someone.
The music has a high tempo and depending on
the music, it changes the mood of the audience
and how the audience is going to feel.

This is a leit motif demonstrated in star wars of

the emperors march. It is a visula represation
of the emperors power and the authority they
have.
 Montage editing is used to join a sequence of
cuts into one fluent edit making the scene
1960 ALFRED frames move fast or slow. The reason behind
this technique being used is because it makes
HITCHCOCK the killing scene look more realistic and it
- PSYCHO disguises the fact that the antagonist doesn’t
actually touch her with the knife. The edit of
SHOWER the film is quite old therefore it doesn’t show
SCENE a significant level of realism but managed to
create a sense of panic and energy
throughout the audience as censorship back
then would have prevented films release.
There is a use of dramatic irony with the shadow of There is a graphic match and juxtaposition between
the man with the knife and between the woman. There the shape of the plug hole and the woman's eye as
is a lot of tension when the audience realizes the man the blood washed away. The plug hole transitions into
and what he is about to do and tension increases even woman's eye which is symbolic editing. This
more as we see the woman in distress. editing technique creates a dramatic effect which
The intellectual montage shows that the leaves the audience in shock because we realize that
woman's blood is going down the drain and the woman is about to die and by doing this it is
it is supposed to mean that her life is slowly illustrating intellectual montage.
coming to end, her life is draining.
There is a clear synchronization of sound when the
Throughout this whole sequence, Hitchcock women jumps and when then tense music matches her
used over 70 shots which implicates the terror action which make the audience feel anxious and on
and horror. It also allows the audience to edge. The sound of a screeching violin intercut with
experience the chaotic nature of the whole her screams combined with the fast paced editing really
scene. helps to reflect the panic and fear within the audience.
Montage Editing - Contemporary Example -
Rocky Training
In filmmaking, a montage is an editing technique in which shots are juxtaposed in an
often fast-paced fashion that compresses time and conveys a lot of information in a
relatively short period. It was introduced to cinema primarily by Sergei Eisenstein, and
early Soviet directors used it as a synonym for creative editing.
An example of montage editing is used in rocky in the training scene. We can see rocky
training in different locations and conditions to show how he is progressing over time.

Using montage editing in rocky was not used to help compress time but instead used it to
show a juxtaposition of 2 shots that show a clear message. For example, there is a shot of
rocky where he is running towards the camera and the sun is in the background which
indicates he has some hope that he will win the fight, but then the camera pans out
where we see some shot which suggests to the audience does he really have a big shot at
winning. The music is an example of leit motif which creates a positive feeling that Rocky
would develop successfully.
 MONTAGE FOR PARODY - 2004 Team America
Montage
Montage is so common now that it is recognisable to audience and has
developed as a form of parody.

Referencing most action films, they show a progression of character strength and
development but the use of puppets is obviously for comical effect. For example Image
A is from GI Joe where the soldiers are training and Image B from the Karate kid
therefore covering cliche topics. Team America parody was inspired by Rocky because
team america also has a training montage. Using monatge editing shows the
gradual change of a charcter through a sequence of shots that condense time and
location.
 HIP HOP MONTAGE
Hip hop montage/fast cutting is a film editing technique which refers to several consecutive shots
of a brief duration. It can be used to convey a lot of information very quickly, or to imply either
energy or chaos.

A humorous effect in hip hop was demonstrated in Shawn of the dead. This effect was shown when
Shawn wanted to show how fast he could save the love of his love and escape a zombie
apocalypse. The use of the shot reverse shot in the last 2 shots indicate a sense of continuous
action as both characters discuss on where to go for the apocalypse.
1999 'Bowling for Columbine'
(Michael Moore)
The graphics in Bowling for Columbine helps keep the
audience interested. An example of where graphics were effective is the
animation where he gives us the history of the USA and the guns in the
cartoon. Something that could've been a boring history lesson was
turned into a comedy. It showed a lightened version of something that
is a dark and upsetting story. It was an effective way of helping us learn
something important but in way that was interesting.
The music that was used was a very interesting choice in the film
Bowling for Columbine. Moore used a lot of songs that sounded uplifting
and full of pride, but the film was about how many Americans have died
to a gun. I found that there was a lot of irony used in the music choice.
For example, near the end, Moore chose the song "What a Wonderful
World", while describing some of the tragedies of war and guns that
have happened previously, and giving us more of the statistics. If all of
these things can happen in the world, clearly, it isn't so wonderful after
all. It catches your ear, and makes you want to see what they could
possibly talking about. I found the music choices entertaining, and the
music made the movie more enjoyable to watch.
Requiem for a Dream – Drug Scene
Requiem for a dream has very rapid and shorter shots which creates a chaotic feeling for the audience
and also increases the pace of the action. The rapidness of the music and the shots creates a feeling of
obsession because the characters were addicted by drugs. The fast paced editing is accompanied by the
action that each character undergoes affecting everyone else’s actions. Towards the end, there are
scenes sped up and in a shot we see a character drinking coffee and this shot was reminded to show
that the characters no longer have control over their own life because the dangerous and extreme
addiction they have to drugs. The frequent close ups and sound effects create a frightening view for the
audience as time is moving constantly throughout the sequence.
• Rapid editing
• Repetition
• Addiction , different drugs being shown along with effects
• Actions match with music. Somewhat rhythmic
• As the video develops, the music becomes louder and intense, and the actions gets faster
TV Genres (Science Fiction - to suspend disbelief for
audience) - Captain Video (1950)

The establishing shot shows special effects and staging shown which contributes to the
sci-fi genre of the TV show. The captain video was a live production therefore a vision
mixer was used to add special effects by combining several shots together. The effects
weren’t as advanced as it is now but it has helped editors develop it for modern use.
A clear narrative is shown for the audience to understand when the hijackers were
communicating with their peers and dissolves to their peers. This shows a use of cross
cutting. By doing this we see a wider view on what is happening and what they
deciding to do. The camera in the 1950s were very large and hard to move which was
why most of the shots were static and time change occurs a lot more slowly than most
modern films.
 EFFECTS AND STAGING
In the 1950s special effects were not common but they were also not
expensive if any special effects were used. It is obvious to point out
and suggest that the funding used was very limited and so were the
effects as they quite limited. The plot involves the use of a gun but the
gun never actually gets used. The antagonists are in typical costumes
suitable for a sci-fi theme meaning the antagonist are wearing the
helmets. However the rangers are dressed in military gear.

180 & 30 DEGREE CONTINUITY EDITING

RULE These shots also show an example of continuity
The 180 degree editing. Continuity editing is when the scenes
rule and 30 degree continue in a linear narrative. We can action
rule are being happening but it is continuing through multiple shots
followed throughout, types. The production of Captain Video, it was filmed
particularly noticeable live theefore it restricted special effects and affected
in the beginning the outcome of editing techniques like action
scene when the matches or eyeline matches however they coukd use
Video Rangers dissolves to transistion from one scene to another.
are infiltrated.
Doctor Who
- The Ambassadors of Death
The use of colours in the title graphics through the cross dissolve of the episode bring out the sci-fi
genre because of the range of futuristic colours used such as the blue . Blue is used in the title and
there is a blue filter over the man in the space suit. The mise-en-scene suggests asci-fi genre because
the man is wearing a headset and his costume is a space suit. The sci-fi genre is brought out from the
diegetic sound effects where you can hear multiple beeps in the spaceship. Green screen was used
as we can see the outline parts of the scientists face which also establishes the location. Cross cutting
was used through 3 different parallel narratives: the scientists conversation, news reporter explaining
the backstory and Dr Who watching the reporter through the tv. In-camera editing was used in the
scene with Doctor Who and Liz where they both vanish which is represented by the camera man
stopping and starting the camera.
 A romantic atmoshpere is created There is a short montage which demonstrates the effect of
through non diegetic music which is a metallic and distorted sound effects on each individual character
calm scene for the audience. It shows which is used to show their shocked reactions and that they are
a close relationship when the distance scared. It creates a lot of suspense for the audice because it is
between fades away once they begin dificult for them to understand what happens next.
to slowly to interact with each other. The 30 degree rule was broken because
Due to the use of colour in Dr Who, this shows we can see multiple jumo cuts of the
that tecnology was evolving and advancing where scientist that has been circled. This was
as in Captain Video, black and white were the done deliberately because TV shows
strictly the only colours used. In Dr Who there are have a tight schedule that they have to
more shots used in comparison to Caption Video, follow therefore this was done live. The
dr who uses shots such as medium, close ups, jump cut ldidnt affect the main
medium close ups and long shots because in the character of the scene which was the
1990s camera were much lighter meaning they scientist with the russian accent and
were able to move around more. the news reporter so it wasnt a big
problem.
 FARSCAPE -1999
The establishing shot is used to show that the episode is focused primarily on the alien man.​ CGI and motion
capture is used to track the aliens movement, show explosions, weapon shots and the spaceships. CGI has
improved a lot since then and the quality is much better. There is an extreme close up of the aliens eye
which suggests that the alien is friendly which is rare for sci-fi films because any creatures are usually
hostile but the alien is not. First shots demonstrate an eyeline match where one of the character who
inhabit the ship noticing another destroyed ship outside theirs. The eyeline match is with the alien and the
shot cuts to an extreme long shot of him looking at outer space which establishes the shot. Blue is a
common colour used in sci-fi. We can see this colour being used when the blue human goes exloring for the
hatch with the blue filter light of the torch. Cross cutting was used to show two parallele narratives – one of
the alien and the exploration - . both narratives are combined later on in the film creating a explicit
narrative. Cross cutting is used to create suspense and mysery hich is demosnstrated through the low and
dark lighting used in the exploration narrative. Sound effects of the droplets also adds tension to the show.
There is a action match when the characters move into the hatch and it
contributes to the realism of the sequence as it adds to the continuity of the
scene which creates extra motivation for the audience.

The opening credits combine of a flashback and montage. The flashback has
multiple dissolves and transitions with a sound bridge that is synchronized.
This allows the audience to understand the characters and give an insight on
the characters even if they haven't watched the previous episodes or seasons. It
also helps develop a clear and established narrative for the characters.
 STAR TREK ENTERPRISE (2001)
MONTAGE

The lyrics of opening theme tune for the show have a meaning. The lyrics show that the humans exist and
should reach their goals and not give up and show why they have developed succssfully. Graphic match at the
start cutting to the earth which represents the development of the world and how it has
significantly changed over time. There were multiple space technology equipment used which is used to
represent how humans have evolved from updated technology. There is a short duration of each shot that
shows how earth has changed. There is a lot of CGI used when for the explosions and space rockets and all of
these extra features are different compared to other sci-fi shows such as Farscape. There were montages n the
show and there was music used to accompany the monatges and gives a posituve outlook on the future of the
humans and the world.
 BATTLESTAR GALACTICA [2004]
The story of Battlestar Galactica uses narration and the title sequence is a montage. The establishing shot of
the ship in space and shows the use of CGI. They included a cloud effect and it makes it look like the sun is
bursting through the clouds. The entire establishing shot is CGI so the directors are in complete control of the
composition. This means they can make the camera move extremely rapidly in ways the camera couldn’t.
There is a lot of cross cutting especially between the ship and the bunks. Bigger budget means it is possible to
cut between multiple narratives. Technology was increasing so that means you could non0linear editing.
Before the episode begins, we are reminded of 5 important storylines that link to the episode and it is
somewhat a form of montage. The episode also uses action match. The montage consists of two separate
montages. The first montage is a summary of the first film and the second montage is about individual
montage of some of the characters. This is done to show the audience what is happening without
having to purposely let them know what the plot is. There is a cross dissolve which was used to show that
time has passed in the same timeframe in the first montage. The cross dissolve is used to switch to different
skyscraper and then it dissolves to black. This suggests that time has skipped but the duration of the dissolve
was not very long meaning that not a lot of significant time has passed.
SHOT RESERVE SHOT
Technology is constantly evolving and because of this multiple shows can be more artistic and stylish with
their approach with sci-fi based shows. BSG have a unique way of filming because they film in a documentary
style by utilizing quick pans and a handheld style of cinematography. By utilizing pans affects the edit as
techniques like shot reserve shot which are slightly out of frame and unpolished for effect.
CROSS CUTTING
BSG is able to cross to multiple places with a set timeframe because of an expansion and
adaptation of technology and a bigger budget. This helps to engage the audience more
and catch their attention and also tension. There are 4 different storylines in this section
of the episode. We can see that all 4 storylines are happening simultaneously alongside
one another, however the scene with Apollo commanding the Pegasus and Captain
Garner trying to save the oxygen supply are the most crucial at this point in the story.

EYELINE MATCHES
Throughout the sequence, there have multiple eyeline matches being used.
It draws the audience attentions as to what is happening surrounding the
drama between Pegasus and being attacked by Cylons and in the sequence
we notice that Galactica is panicking about where Pegasus has gone.
KARLS NARRATIVE
In this episode we see Karl has overcome the attacks from the cylons and returns to earth. This montage
provides a small amount information but it also creates an atmosphere of suspense and tension towards the
audience so that they can keep on watching. Throughout the hole montage, a use of dramatic music helps to
build up the tempo because the duration of the shots are very short. CGI is used for the explosions and weapons
and this makes us fear for the survival of Karl and also makes us empathize with Karl as he tries to out live the
frenzy attack.

ADAMS NARRATIVE
There is an eyeline match in Adams narrative and this shows a lack of time before the attack. The eyeline match
shows Adam looking at control monitor and represents the fact that he doesn’t whether he should jump to save
or not to save Karl on earth and they because he is missing he wont know where they have gone. If Adam
doesn’t save Karl, Karl will be stuck on earth. Jumping will save them from cylon attacks but the timer is running
out which builds up suspense meaning he has less time to make a decision. This aims to create suspense but
also illustrates characters distance from other another.
GAIUS NARRATIVE
We are taken back to earth in a fantasy world that has been created by
number six in Gaius mind, where she is trying to convince him that
destroying the earth is the right thing to do and this shows an infliction
playing on his mind. In trade for her romantic loge, she is manipulating
him into doing things for her within Battlestar. He is struggling with this
conscience and the guilt of the situation, being around people who have
lost their family after earth. This sequence is confusing for the
audience but it persuades them to continue watching because it suggests
there is information that we may not know about what happened before
earth ended. On the other hand, it is developing more drama, what will
Gaius do, continue to betray humanity or come clean about what he has
done. However, it does make us empathize for the characters. Therefore
the edit aims to create empathy with the character.