Editing Terms

Cut

A transition created in editing by where a shot will be replaced by another shot on screen.

Continuity editing

Editing that creates action that flows smoothly acrosses a variety of shots and scenes, this would be used for a fight scene in an action movie.

Cross cutting

Cutting between two or more lines of action quickly, indicating they are happening at the same time.

Dissolve

A gradual scene transition. The editor overlaps the end of one shot with the beginning of the next one.

 Editing

The work of selecting and joining together shots to create a finished film.

Errors of continuity

Disruptions in the flow of a scene, such as a failure to match action or the placement of props across shots.

Establishing shot

A shot which is usually from a distance to show and establish where then scene or action is about to take place.

Fade

This is a visual transition between shots or scenes normally appreasr on screen as a little break before the next shot. The editor fades one shot to black and then fades the next shot in, usually used to show change of time and or place.

 Final cut

The finshed version of the film which is approved by the director and the producers, this is what the audience will see.

Iris

Visible on screen as a circle closing down over or opening up on a shot.

Jump cut

A cut that creates a lack of continuity by leaving out parts of the action.

Matched cut

A cut joining two shots which have elements that match, helping to establish action.

Montage

Scenes whose emotional impact and visual design are achieved through the editing together of many brief shots.

Rough cut

This is the editors first go at putting all the shots together before changing and polishing is needed.

Sequence shot

A shot that extends for a whole scene or shot with no editing.

Shot reverse shot cutting

Usually used for conversation scenes, this technique alternates between over-the-shoulder shots showing each character speaking.

Wipe

Visible on screen as a bar travelling across the frame pushing one shot off and pulling the next shot into place.