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.