Key Conventions of Editing

There are many conventions and methods of editing I am now going to look at and explain different key conventions typically used.

Continuity:
This is a key convention of editing whereby a sequence is edited using various shot types that all have a flowing sense of continuity. Therefore there are no sudden jumps of objects or people and everything in the scene remains the same apart from the camera angle. This can be achieved by using the 180®  rule. This rule consists of the camera staying within a 180® section to the left or the right of a person or object. This ensures that everything in the shot stays on the same side of the frame, if this rule is broken objects or people could appear to 'flip' and objects on the right could now be seen on the left. Here is a video explaining the rule.

Montage:

Montage is the use of editing various shots or clips of a specific subject or even lots of random subjects and putting them together to create a collection of short shots. The pace of the shots interchanging is usually relatively quick in order to sustain the interest of the viewer and to help the viewer understand it is a montage not a full length film. A famous example of montage includes Sergei Eisenstein who first used the montage method in order to create 'film metaphors' by colliding pieces of footage together and editing it in a fast paced way. Here is a short clip of Eisenstein's use of montage.

Jump Cuts and Parallel Editing:

Jump cuts are used to show a slight lapse in time. It is a form of editing in which two sequenced shots of the same subject are taken from cameras that are positioned slightly different to each other. It is a jolt between two shots and makes a change compared to the softer dissolve between shots that films usually have. An example of this would be Jean-Lucs Godard's 'Breathless' in which jump cuts were first used.

Parallel editing is when an edit is made to show two or more scenes often with different locations alternating, with events often occurring at the same time to each other. This convention of editing is also known as 'cross cutting'. Classic thriller 'The Silence of The Lambs' is a great example of how parallel editing can be used to full effect, especially in this particular scene in which parallel editing is used to create suspense and a emotive effect on the viewer. 

Transitions:

Transitions are used in the editing of films to fill the space when a scene or shot switches to another. They are often used to smooth the change out however jump cutting is an exception to this. There are many different types of transitions including just a simple cut that switches straight between shot. Other types of transitions include a fade away which slowly fades from one shot to another, a dissolve which makes the scene appear to be dissolving into the next scene, a wipe transition which makes one shot slide away reveal the next shot. Types of shot can also be classed as a form of transitioning between shots including a shot reverse shot, this involves two shots of the same subjects switching back and forth quickly, often insinuating dialogue. Here is a video describing just three of the many transitions used in editing film.

Editing Rhythm and Cutting to a Soundtrack:

Editing rhythm is the use of cutting the film in a pace to keep up with the action that is going on in the piece. For example a slow cut between shots in a scene that involves something calming or peaceful gives the viewer a feeling of calm. A fast paced cut between shots can make the viewer feel threatened or full of suspense in an action film. 

Cutting to a soundtrack is also a very vital convention within editing. If a slow cut between shots is used against fast drum and bass music the overall product would not match and leave the viewer confused. A theme should be decided early on for the music, for example an action scene should be matched with dubstep or heavy music, an emotional scene should be edited to classical and soft music in order for the mood and emotive response to trigger in the viewer. 

This clip from Resident Evil-Retribution shows how rhythm editing is used to create a fast paced and dramatic effect. The cuts are very short and sharp to go hand in hand with the action occurring in the scene. Editing to a soundtrack also plays a part in this scene, a suspenseful but upbeat track is played to accompany all the action and fighting going on.