5 Master Editing Techniques

   

https://youtu.be/1BEFw4qBYws

  While watching movies and TV shows, I always notice the aspects of editing and transitions, however, I never had a name for them. After doing this project, I understand what these different editing techniques are called and how they are used. Without these technique, films would be dull and one-dimensional. While acting is important, the way the movie or show is put together is as well. In this project Barbara, Mia, and I tried to convey the techniques in the best ways possible. We all contributed equally with our ideas and ended up with a project to be proud of. 

    The First technique seen is parallelism. We came up with this idea while standing by the lockers. We saw the lock and realized that the circular shape is similar to an eye. We decided that this would be the perfect transition. In the video you can see that the camera zooms into the lock, fades to my eye, and slowly zooms out, Personally, as the subject in the shot, it was hard for me not the blink.

The next technique used was contrast. This was my personal favorite. We had such a fun time coming up with the crazy things that Mia could do for the shot. In the beginning, you see me sleeping peacefully with classical music playing. Then, all of a sudden it cuts to Mia hitting someone. It then continues like that for the rest of the segment. The quick cuts add to the hilarity. Even watching it back, we all couldn't help ourselves from laughing.

Next was symbolism. This was specifically inspired from the drain scene from the movie "Psycho." Except, instead of life going down the drain, it was my grades. The close up of the F makes it easier for the audience to understand the disappointment I portray. The drain is also a similar shape to the circle with the F inside. 

The fourth technique was simultaneity. With Mia running away and it looking like I was chasing her, the audience would be tricked into believing that Mia was running away from me. However, at the end it is revealed I was running to Barbara instead. The happy music played at the end adds to the "plot twist."

The final technique shown was Leit Motif. We went back and forth with many sounds and discussed which would make the viewer the most anxious. While I was acting anxious at the table, the music would only add to the suspense. My favorite part of this technique is the close up to my face. With a water fountain available, we put drops of water on my face to be portrayed as sweat. This emphasizes how nervous my character is. The quick cut of at the end adds a sense of fear and mystery. 

In conclusion, I am grateful to have been assigned this project. Editing in films and TV is often overlooked. In reality, all the great shows have great editing. In fact, the best editing happens without you even realizing it. 

One Word Film

My Film

Watching and critiquing films is an activity I partake in often. I enjoy analyzing movie’s acting and cinematic features. That is why I was very excited for this project. I have never made a film of my own before and I got the opportunity to work with two of my closest friends. At first, we struggled to find a word. However, when we saw the word obsessed, we knew we had to use it. Right away we began brainstorming the plot and angles we could use.

This is one of the first few shots in the film. This Over the Shoulder shot emphasizes that she is following the protagonist. You are able to see the protagonist unknowingly walking forward, while the subject creepily walks behind. It also creates a look that makes the subject large and intimidating and the protagonist small and clueless. 

This next shot was taken from a low angle. This was a way of adding to the fear factor in the film. The audience must be able to see that the subject truly is obsessed. This angle makes her look powerful and allows the audience believe she is something to be worried about. 

Finally, this shot is an extreme close up. We chose to use this shot to emphasize the character’s obsession. No dialogue is allowed in this film, and you are able to express many emotions with just your eyes. With this close up of the eyes, you can see the subject staring at the protagonist. You are able to see how obsessed she truly is. She does not blink or move her focus once. 

The music we chose to use was very off-putting and helped to build the suspense. While the word obsessed doesn't have to lean in a scary direction, that is the direction my group chose to go in. We decided that type of music was the best way to convey the word to the viewers. Obsessed already has a negative connotation, so why not go all in?

In conclusion, this project was a new experience for me and I am very proud of how it turned out. Next time I watch a movie, I will definitely appreciate all of the hard work that goes into deciding angles and shots more.