Assignment 2 - Editing Theory
Video editing is the process of editing segments of motion video production footage, special effects and sound recordings in the post-production process. Motion picture film editing is a predecessor to video editing and, in several ways, video editing simulates motion picture film editing, in theory and the use of linear video editing and video editing software on non-linear editing systems . Using video, a director can communicate non-fictional and fictional events. The goals of editing is to manipulate these events to bring the communication closer to the original goal or target. It is a visual art.
Early 1950's video tape recorders were so expensive, and the quality degradation caused by copying was so great.
Improvements in quality and economy, and the invention of the flying erase-head, allowed new video and audio material to be recorded over the material already recorded on an existing magnetic tape and was introduced into the linear editing technique. If a scene closer to the beginning of the video tape needed to be changed in length, all later scenes would need to be recorded onto the video tape again in sequence. In addition, sources could be played back simultaneously through a vision mixer (video switcher) to create more complex transitions between scenes. A popular 1970-80s system for doing that was the U-matic equipment (named for the U-shaped tape path). That system used two tape players and one tape recorder, and edits were done by automatically having the machines back up, then speed up together in synchrony, so the edit didn't roll or glitch. Later, 1980-90's came the smaller beta equipment (named for the B-shaped tape path), and more complex controllers, some of which did the synchronizing electronically.
Purposes
v Storytelling, e.g. engaging the viewer
v Development of drama
v Relationship to genre
v Creating motivation
v Combing shots into sequences
v Creating pace
The purpose of editing can be seen as being very significant; the editing itself is effective as it sets a meaning for the film. The editing can also help the film with the narrative; by this it helps the audience receive information about the plot and the story throughout the film. Using edit’s, it can define the information the audience will receive about the film. I can be used to build up emotion for or about a character in which people can like or hate.
The editing of a film is classed as a form of art and in this case it would be the ‘invisible’ art. Being able to edit a film perfectly to professional standards helps the film itself so much as it enables viewers watching to engage with the film. The editing of a film can be used in a diverse way. It can be used to create a sensually provocative montage. It can bring out the emotional truth in an actor's performance within filming; it can also create a point of view on otherwise obtuse events. It can also be used to guide the telling and pace of a story. The editing can create an illusion of danger where there is none and keep the viewer on the edge of their seat making the film more exciting, give emphasis to things that would not have otherwise been noted; and even create a vital subconscious emotional connection to the viewer, among many other possibilities.
The editing of a film is classed as a form of art and in this case it would be the ‘invisible’ art. Being able to edit a film perfectly to professional standards helps the film itself so much as it enables viewers watching to engage with the film. The editing of a film can be used in a diverse way. It can be used to create a sensually provocative montage. It can bring out the emotional truth in an actor's performance within filming; it can also create a point of view on otherwise obtuse events. It can also be used to guide the telling and pace of a story. The editing can create an illusion of danger where there is none and keep the viewer on the edge of their seat making the film more exciting, give emphasis to things that would not have otherwise been noted; and even create a vital subconscious emotional connection to the viewer, among many other possibilities.
A convention that must be followed is the 180 degree rule, it is very important that you follow this because the viewer can become confused as where the shot is being filmed and is irritating to watch, the rule is that you use a 180 degree line as placement for the camera and you cannot move past the 180 degrees because this causes confusion for the viewer and you will be able to see the other cameras in shot.
Cross-cutting is an editing technique most often used in films to establish action occurring at the same time in two different locations. In a cross-cut, the camera will cut away from one action to another action, which can suggest the simultaneity of these two actions but this is not always the case. It is useful because you can see parts of the story for example a argument or a gun fight.
Multiple points of view are where they are lots of different shots, angles and movements to capture a scene. These include ‘Over the shoulder’ and ‘Point of view’It is used to add more diversity to a scene and capture more than you would with 1 camera.
A transition is the cut effect between scenes to create a smooth change and make it look more professional. There are many popular ones such as Wipe, Dissolve, Fade, Flip. This is a important effect because it makes every cut scene smooth and stops the cut from just being a black screen.
