Editing Technique

Cut

The cut is the most common type of video transition that allows you to cut out errors or the end a scene. It gives the effect of a swift transition to another scene.

Cross Fade/Dissolve

A Cross Fade is gradual fade from one shot to another. It often used to slow down the shots and transitions to allow the viewer to clearly see what is on show.

Shot, Reverse Shot

         Used to show something or someone from over a persons shoulder (over the shoulder shot), allowing the viewer to feel as if they are behind the person looking.

Jump Cut

A jump cut is a transition between two shots that speeds ahead of time (jumps) forward. A section of the clip becomes removed.

Graphic Match and Cut Away

Cut between 2 different objects in which the two shots graphically match (look similar), linking to shots metaphorically.

Cut away

Visually cut to a different image and then back to the person talking.

Parallel editing

A technique that cuts between two separate events, which are happening at the same time.

Match on Action

Is a cut that joins two different views of the same action (for example someone’s body and feet when walking down the stairs).

Montage

Showing a long passage of time in a short clip, things seem to happening at once, and the end usually ends with a fade out.

Wipe

A wipe is a transition where the screen is cleared and slid into a different scene or shot as if someone had wiped away the past shot.