Editing Techniques

Transitions

A film transition is a technique by which scenes or shots are juxtaposed. Most commonly this is through a normal cut to the next scene. Most films will also include selective use of other transitions, usually to convey a tone or mood, suggest the passage of time, or separate parts of the story. These other transitions may include dissolves, L cuts, fades (usually to black), match cuts, and wipes.

Shot Reverse Shot

used mainly in a conversation between two people.

Straight Cut

is where two shots - often with a different setting - are quickly and directly cut together. it is used to highlight different aspects in the plot of the film.

Following the action

use a series of close up shots to show sort of a mini narrative within a narrative.

Parallel editing

allows two or more simultaneous sets of action unfold within a single film sequence.