How Editing Manipulates Time

Long Take - A long take is a take that could be done in multiple shots be is instead done in one long take. These are extremely difficult to pull off because if one thing fails in the shot the whole shot has to be re-done. These shots are used to help make the scene feel authentic and in real time, this also helps the viewers determine the amount of time the shot ahs taken rather than being confused about the time that may be lost through cutting.

Slow Motion - Is an action that will appear at a slower speed than the speed of which the film was originally recorded. This may be used to emphasis a specific moment in the film. Or a specific feeling of the character that is being filmed.

Fast Motion - Is an action that will appear at a faster speed than the speed of which the film was originally recorded. This may be used to speed up a moment that may be boring or useless. Another usage of this technique would be increase humour and excitement.

Time Lapse - Used to portray and long passing of time. The sky is usually used within these shots as it visually helps the mind realise the amount of time passing by, by the usage of clouds, the colour of the sky, and lights within a city.

Transition Types

Cut; The simplest and most commonly used transition. This is usually used to change between shots within a scene. This helps avoid confusion, because if the editor was to use a cut to chnge scene it may be a bit disorientating to the audience.

Fade; Usually fades to black. Used at the end of scene and if done so, used to fade in to the next scene. Fading to white represents the character becoming unconsious or dying.

Dissolve; Used to link scenes together and slow the film down. Can sometimes reduce the quality of the film if not used properly or correctly. And could make the film look tacky. Also used in live multicamera productions.

Wipe; Reduces film quality unless used with expertise and skill. Used to change location, has been used successfully in films such as Star Wars and Kill Bill

Jump Cut; These cuts are use to make scenes move faster and to change something within the scene whilst having a constant location. Usually used in fight scenes, and action films.

Editing Styles and Conventions

Montage;- Dictionary Defintition

The technique of combining in a single composition pictorial elements from various sources, as parts of different photographs or fragments of printing, eihter to give the illusion that the elements belonged together originally, or to allow each element to retain its seperate identity as a means of adding interest or meaning to the composition.

Montage - In movies and TV. Juxtaposition or partial superimposition of several shots to form a single image. A technique of film editing in which this is used to present an idea or set of interconnected ideas. - This allows the film to pass time in which a character will go from young to old (Up), and all other similar reasons like going from being a rookie to a pro like in Never Back Down, here is the montage.



Continuity Editing;- This editing is the most often used in film and TV. The usage of contiuity editing is to help keep the shots flowing consistently together. This kind of editing envolves no flashbacks and no constant changes of location which are similar to the effects of montage editing.

The History and Developments of Post-Production

The editing of films began by literally cutting and pasting the films together. This method was achieved by using a machine called the moviola or another called the Steenbeck. These machines made it very easy to slice the film strips apart and then paste the new ones on together to make a smooth cutting for the film. This method was revolutionary in the film, "Life of an American Fireman" where the audience was watching the fire begin and spread and then cut to see the firemen head for the scene of the fire. Another early film similar to that one was "A Man With A Movie Camera".
Later editing methods are pretty much all computer based with programs such as Final Cut Pro and Avid, but these systems have not been around too long and may be the top of the range for a few years until some newer editing equipment is released.