Establishing shot

The extreme shot sets up the context for a scene In the opening of the scene indicating to the viewer what the surroundings are and sometimes when it takes place it is usually an extreme long shot it can also be used to show the relationship between characters as well as to show time for example if it shows the positioning of the characters from each other and their body language if it is a large room like a hall. This shot is most commonly used in the classical era of film making

One example of where this would be used Is in ‘The Amazing Spiderman’ where an image of New York city is shown to Not only let the viewer know where the movieIs set but also set the mood of city lights and noises of sirens and cars.Another example

180 degree rule

The 180 degree rule is a guidance line usually used in dialogue scenes between two characters where the camera must not pass through the the line staying only on the same side for that whole scene if the camera is to go onto the other side the transition must be shown of the camera passing the invisible line so that the viewer is aware of the change in positioning of the camera this is so that the scene stays consistent from shot to shot.

This is used in many conversation scenes in films so that the viewerIs not confused with the camera moving from one side to theOther one example is a scene in rush hour 3 where the camera switches from one character to the other staying on the right of the viewer.

Shot/reverse shot

A technique where one character is shown looking at another character (usually off screen) and then the other character is seen looking back at the first character this shot is heavily relied on in soap because of its simplicity and ability to build up tension in the viewer as they are not able to see all that is happening brining an element of suspense

An example of this used in film is in a scene in‘Hunger games’ where two characters are having a conversation and the camera switches from one Character to the other make the viewer feel as though they are present in the scene

Matching on action

Also known as cutting on action this refers to an editing technique where the editor cuts on one shot to another view matching the first shots action for example if in the first shot the character finishes on the left leg then on the next shot it continues to the right fitting in. this is most commonly used in Hollywood movies as it is more complex.

An example of this being used is in the TV series ‘friends’ where the two characters are shown kissing from one angle and this is then matched form another angle as they stop kissing making it fit and run smoothly so that the viewer does not notice the cut

Parallel editing

This technique is used to add interest and excitement to an otherwise dull scene and also build up a clearer storyline for the viewer. To parallel edit is to merge two completely different scenes from different places and put them together for example an ambulance driving with its sirens on and then a scene of a woman dying in her home this make the viewer feel like they are more all seeing and can understand what is happening much more easily.

An example of this being used is in ‘The Godfather’ in a scene of a baby being baptized as well as shootings going on this brings much more depth to an others wise less relevant scene to the viewer and also builds excitement.

Eye-line match This is a technique where a character looks off screen at an object or a person and this is then followed by a shot to what the character is looking at, allowing the viewer to see just what the actor is looking at. This I used in many films in some cases to build tension and in others to just make the viewer feel as they are preset in the scene.

And example of this being used is in a scene in ‘rear window’ where one character is sat in his home and is looking out the window and every time he looks at something new the shot goes to him firstly looking in a new direction and they what he can see and then back to him with his reaction. This informs the viewer not only of his surroundings but Also what kind of person he is by what grabs his attention

Graphic match

This is a cut in editing where one shot is matched with another of two different objects in which the two objects match in the way they are moving in most cases building a link in the two scenes with the objects as they graphically match this links the objects metaphorically and creates a smooth continuity from one shot to another.

A famous example of this being used in film would be a scene in ‘A Space Odyssey’ where a bone is thrown in the air by an animal and this is then graphically matched by a satellite in space this shows the viewer there is a connection between the two subjects and also makes the transition from the two completely different places make sense And look smooth.

30 degree rule This rule stops mistakes like jump cuts from occurring the rule is as follows you must move the camera at least 30 degrees between shots of the same object if this is not done correctly the audience then begins to focus more on the editing then on the films story line which is not wanted editing must look effortless to the viewer and almost invisible

Transitions This technique is used in the part of film editing where scenes or shots are combined together the transition most commonly used would be a simple cut to the next scene but there are a selection of other transitions which are used in films to set a mood or tone that is fitting for that particular scene as well as in some cases show a passing of time or separate two parts of a story from each other as well as this it makes the scene much more smooth running and makes two scenes that may be quite different fit Some examples of transitions that are commonly used are dissolves, fades, L-cuts, contrast cuts , match cuts and wipes

Pace and tempo

Pace and tempo is established by the choice of moving shots as well as the length of those shots, for example long shots are on the screen for a long period of time as the viewer needs more time to register everything that is happening on the screen so that no key information is missed that could be useful in the rest of the film in the opposite way close ups and medium shots are much easier for viewers to grasp so they do not need to be on screen for very long at all this is why these are most commonly used in action and horror films with a very fast pace to engage their audience

For example in the film ‘burn notice’ the scene of the main character jumping out of the helicopter is repeated over three cut to not only increase the drama in the scene but also build a aster pace to an already fast scene and make sure the viewer has more then just one view of the character.