Editing Techniques

Action match:
A shot that cuts to another continuing a piece of action movement between shots. This allows the audience to see a smooth action despite a cut in the shot.


Shot/Reverse shot:
Cutting between two people having a conversation (rather than including them both in one shot - more likely to use over the shoulder shots.)


Cross cutting:
Where the editor cuts between two separate scenes happening in two separate locations at the same time. This illustrates a contrast or link between them.


Jump cuts:
A cut that moves to a very similar part of the same scene but missing a piece of action out (e.g. A character is on one side of the room, and then is on the other side but we don't see him walking there.)


Fast pace cuts:
To increase the speed and excitement in a action scene.


Wipe:
Used to move the action on without a jump cut.


Dissolve:
This is when the first shot is on screen and the second shot starts appearing on top of it more and more till you only see the second shot.


Visual affects:
Often depends on what the characters reactions to these special effects are.


Graphic Match:
A cut from one shot to another that look visually the same they are there to show us a clear link between the two scenes.


Slow motion:
Slowing down action shots to create tension and emotion.