Media Editing Terminology

I've used my class resources and tried to create short and simple definitions for each editing technique. Good luck!

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Continuity Editing
A system of cutting to maintain continuous and clear narrative action.
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Non-Continuity Editing
A lack of continuity; it has a self reflective nature and an over-use of jump cuts or insertion of material not of relevance to any narrative.
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Jump Cut
The middle section of a continuous shot is removed and the beginning and end of the shot are joined. It breaks continuity in time and produces a startling effect.
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Shot/Reverse Shot
Two or more shots edited together that alternate characters, typically in a conversation situation.
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Eyeline Match
A character will look at something off-screen, then there will be a cut to the person or object they're looking at.
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Graphic Match
Two successive shots joined together so as to create a strong similarity of compositional elements. Used in transparent continuity editing to smooth the transition between shots.
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Cross Cutting/ Parallel Editing
Cutting back and forth quickly between two or more lines of action, indicating they are happening simultaneously.
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Insert
A shot of part of a scene as filmed from a different angle and/or focal length from the master shot.
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Cut Away
The interruption of a continuously filmed action by inserting a view of something else. It is usually, but not always, followed by a cutback to the first shot.
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Fade-in
The shot gradually lightens.
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Fade-Out
Darkens towards the end of the shot into black.
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Superimposition
The exposure of more than one image on the same film *****. This does not signify a transition from one scene to another.
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Wipe
Visible on screen as a bar travelling across the frame pushing one shot off and pulling the next shot into place. Rarely used in contemporary film, more popular in the 30s and 40s.
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Long Take
A shot that lasts for an usually lengthy time before the transition to the next shot; any shot over a minute can be considered to be one.
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Short Take
A shot lasting no more than a few seconds.
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Slow Motion
An exaggerated shot in which motion is slowed down to create a dramatic effect.
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Expansion of Time
Cuts that repeat part or all of an action, thus expanding its viewing time and plot duration.
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Ellipsis of Time
Shot transitions that leave out part of an event - this moves narrative time forward.
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Post-Production
All stages of production occurring after the end of shooting and/or recording of the completed work. Processes may include editing filmed footage, editing the soundtrack and adding CGI.
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Visual Effects
CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery)
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Fast Cutting
Several consecutive shots of a brief duration - 3 seconds or less. This conveys information quickly to imply energy and chaos.
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Montage
A series of short shots edited into a sequence to condense narrative. It is usually used to advance the story as a whole.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

A lack of continuity; it has a self reflective nature and an over-use of jump cuts or insertion of material not of relevance to any narrative.

Back

Non-Continuity Editing

Card 3

Front

The middle section of a continuous shot is removed and the beginning and end of the shot are joined. It breaks continuity in time and produces a startling effect.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Two or more shots edited together that alternate characters, typically in a conversation situation.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

A character will look at something off-screen, then there will be a cut to the person or object they're looking at.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

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