Editing

In this post i am going to be explaining the process of editing within media whilst providing examples of the different shots and processes within editing.

• Editing has been designed not to be noticed within media.
• There are two types of editing found in media:

1. Continuity
2. Montage

 Continuity Editing:

• Continuity editing relies upon matching screen direction, position, and temporal relations from shot to shot.
• Continuity editing is basically invisible editing.
• It is designed not to be noticed so it allows for a better suspension of disbelief.
• Continuity editing is based on two rules that, when used during a shoot set up shots, allow for the style of continuity editing to be applied.
• These two rules are:

1. 180 Degree Rule
2. 30 Degree Rule

180 Degree Rule:

•  This rule states that the camera should remain the same side of an imaginary line within the shot.
• The line will be drawn perpendicular to the the cameras viewpoint in the establishing shot of the scene.
• This rule is used to enforce the continuity of the film.

30 Degree Rule:

• The camera should only move 30 degrees in accordance with the 180 degree rule.
• This helps to piece together a large sequence of shots in harmony with each other.

Breaking The Rule:

• The two rules should never be broken.
• The only defence for breaking these rules is for "effect"

Motivated Cuts:

• There are several types of cuts that are motivated by the action on screen.
• These cuts are as follows:

1. Shot Reverse Shot
2. Eyeline Match
3. Match On Action
4. Graphic Match 

Shot Reverse Shot:

• A shot reverse shot is two or more shots edited together that alternate characters, it will typically be used in a conversation situation.
• Shot: A character talks or is being talked to.
• Reverse: We cut to the other character either talking or being talked to.
• Shot: Cuts back to the first shot

 Example:

•  A shot reverse shot and representation indicate thew relationship between two characters. It signifies something exaggerates their closeness, or their opposition.
• The amount of time given to a characters reaction shots can convey their status in the scene.

Eyeline Match:

• This is a cut motivated by a character looking at something. The succeeding shot is what he or she is looking at.
• Shot: We see a character looking at something.
• Cut To
• Shot:What he/she is looking at.

Example:

• An eyeline match usually provides an insight into a character thoughts.
• The characters eyeliner who is cut to the most is usually of higher status.

Match On Action:

• In a match on action the cut is motivated by a characters action in a way as to make time seem continuous.
• Shot: Action begins at one angle and shot distance.
• Cut To
• Shot: Action ends at another shot distance and angle.

Example:

Graphic Match:

• A graphic match creates a cut between two shots that juxtapose their graphically similar images.

Breaking The Rule:

• A jump cut occurs when the filmmakers deliberately break the rules of continuity, be it the 180 degree or 30 degree rule.
• Jump cuts are used of a specific effect usually to communicate jarring or fragmented atmosphere.

Example:

Addressing The Camera:

• The third major rule of continuity is that no actors/actresses look or address the camera.
• This is known as breaking the fourth wall.
• This can usually be used to comply a secret, confessional relationship between the character and the audience.

Example:

• Towards the end of the clip you will see that the actor speaks directly to the camera explaining what is happening.

Cross Cutting/Parallel Editing:

• Film makers will sometimes intercut different lines of action which gives the implication that the said line will eventually meet. This is known as cross cutting or parallel editing.
• This technique is often used to increase tension and suspense, especially in chase sequences, but may also be used to draw parallels between seemingly disparate events.

Example:

Juxtaposition:

• Although typically a narrative device, inter cutting can set up juxtaposition between parallel story lines, exaggerating the impact or meaning of each by highlighting a point of difference.

Tension:

• When intercutting is used to draw two storylines together, this can be structured to create tension, and therefore heighten the audiences identification with a particular character. 

Overlapping Editing:

• Cuts that repeat all or part of an action which expands its viewing time and plot duration.

Example:

• When watching this clip you will see that when the character fires a shot backwards he hits the windscreen of the bike behind him. The windscreen breaking is shown multiple times. This is overlapping editing.

Cutaway:

• In film and tv, a cutaway shot is the interruption of a continuously filmed action by inserting a view of something else.
• It is usually but not always followed by a cut back to the first shot, when the cutaway avoids a jump cut.

Example:

Long Take:

• Long takes occur when there are no cuts for a significant period of time.

Example:

• It is considered to make the sequence more absorbing and immersive, particularly when the camera is moving, If the camera is locked down then long takes can be uncomfortable for the spectator, forcing him/her to look at what’s on screen.

Transitions:

• Transitions occur when you mix the images.
• There are several types of transition:

1. Fade
2. Dissolve
3. Wipe
4. Split Screen

Fades:

• Fades occur when mixes into or out of a pure black shot.

Example:

• Fades are used to begin or end scenes, and films, like a full stop.
• They also connote a passage of time.

Wipes:

• Wipes occur when another shots wipes one shot off the screen.

Example:

• This is also used to connote the end of a scene and it also connotes a passage of time.
• Its an effect which is quite retro and is often used in a tongue in cheek, humorous way.

Dissolves:

• Dissolves occur when two images mix together.

Example:

• They are usually used to connote the transition into a characters mind, for example to signal a flashback or a dream sequence.
• They are also used to connote the passage of time.

Split Screen:

• When there are two or more shots on the screen simultaneously.

Example:

• This is also considered as retro.
• Can be used to emphasize parallels or contrasts between characters, or as an alternative to cross cutting.

Montage:

• Montage editing is the second style of editing.
• In pure terms, montage editing means the assembling of differing and disparate shots so as to assemble a meaning.
• In hollywood terms as it is used now, a montage sequence is a means by which a large amount of time and space can be concentrated by assembling shots in which many different things happen, it will usually be set to a soundtrack such as a song or voiceover.
• Montage sequences are used to quickly show the 'boring' bit of the narrative or just to show that a lot of time has passed.

Selection/Prevalence:

• This is what or who gets priority in the scene.
• If it is a character belonging to a particular social group, then it might be that he/she is of higher status.
• Who gets the most close ups?
• Who motivates the most cuts?
• The more one group is selected over another is often significant.

Organisation:

• Is the scene organised in such a way as to prioritise the actions of a specific character? if so why?
• It could be to encourage the audience to identify with a particular social group of higher status.
• Think about when a character gets close ups and how the timings may effect the representation.

Focus:

• Are there any elements included in the sequence that the viewer isn't encouraged to consider?
• Who/what are these neglected elements and how they inform representations of the elements onto which the focus has been in place?

How Editing Is Used - Rhythm And Pace:

• Editing is often used to regulate rhythm and pace of a sequence.
• Pace is determined by the frequency of the cuts and their length.

Film Speed:

Slow Motion:

1. Adds drama. 
2. Transition.
3. Emphasise the significance of an action.

Speeding Film Up:

1. Accelerate insignificant time.
2. For humorous effect/comedy.

Credit Sequence Analysis

In this post i am going to be analysing the opening credits of a film of my choice. I will be analysing areas as such as font size, font colour, text position, shots and sound effects. The opening credits which i am going to specifically be analysing in this post are those from grand prix, a film which was released in 1966. 

This title sequence starts off with white, easy to read, medium sized font overlayed on plain black background. This draws the viewers eye straight to the text as it is centred in the composition and also the two colours have a high contrast. The background then changes into a shot of a car exhaust although originally it is hard tell what it might be. The music which has been playing throughout the beginning of the titles is building suspense up to a point when the car exhaust revving breaks the tension. The producers have also used this shot to incooperate the title of the movie into the shot by entering the title in a medium white font in the middle of the frame to draw the viewers eyes to it. The shot if the exhaust is then used in a split screen multiple times. Split screens are often used to rupture the seamless view of reality within the frame however in this case i think it is is used to emphasise the viewers focus on the sound and image of the exhaust. In the next part there is text overlayed on a shot however your eyes do not quite nowhere to focus as the shot as the text blends in with the background. The shots that follow this do not feature any text however they help to establish some of the setting. The producers then use a split screen of the nut being tightened to make the audience question about what tightening the bolt could do. The shots that follow this are used to establish the films setting more by using a montage of shots together with sound to help the viewer understand what is happening. The shots that follow this feature off centre text to help draw more of the viewers focus to the background rather than the text that is being shown. The producers have used the commentator announcing the names as a way of introducing the characters of the film. It also provides a bit of context about the characters. A few shots after this the film has been slowed down and used with a heart beating as a sound effect to help create tension within the scene. In the next shot after the slow motion shot the tension is broken by the sound of the revving engine.

Final Opening Sequence Concept

Our final opening sequence idea will begin with a montage sequence which will then be followed by a short scene involving the main character this will then be followed by the title sequence.

Part 1:

Montage

• Thief sees a rich man with a laptop in the park
• The thief approaches the man in order to distract him
• As the man is distracted the thief grabs the laptop
• There is a chase between the thief and the laptop owner
• Thief escapes and arrives home
• Formats laptop resets data and clears serial
• He pauses for dinner
• Takes pictures of laptop to put on eBay
• Posts the laptop on eBay

Part 2:

Scene With Protagonist

• Cut to protagonist
• Scene of him bidding at home
• Then on the bus, wins the laptop
• Receives the laptop
• Boots laptop
• Freeze Frame 
• Voiceover comes in with "thats the moment his life changed forever"

Textual Analysis: Camera & Mise En Scene

In this post i am going to analyze the elements of cinematography and mise en scene in a two minute clip form a thriller movie.

From the outset of shot i could tell that the scenes were being shot with the camera being handheld. This creates a dramatic effect and it also increases the verisimilitude of the scene. I also noticed that the colour has been desaturated and also has a blue tinge to it. By changing the color the director has managed to increase the verisimilitude of the scene. It is a clear indication that the director wants the film to be as real as possible by using techniques to increase the verisimilitude. By making the film realistic the producers are able to draw the audience into the storyline more as it is more believable.

Elements Of Camera

In this post i am going to analyse the different elements of cinematography providing examples which each individual element.

Shot Size/Distance:

The shot size is how close or far away the camera is from the subject, There are different types of shots at different distances which i am going to show in the diagram below.

      

I am now going to provide examples of some of the different shot distances using stills i have sourced from a website called film grab.

Long Shot:

A long shot will be used to show a characters surroundings without revealing too much about his or her emotions. Long shots can also be used as an establishing shot in a film to introduce the audience to the setting of the film. They can be shot using different types of camera movement techniques which i will explain in depth later.

Medium Shot:

A medium shot will be used in a film to show a balance of the characters emotions and their surroundings in a single shot. Medium shots are most commonly used when showing dialogue scenes in a film.

Close Up:

A close up will be used to emphasize the emotion of the character. A close up will also encourage identification about a character to the audience. This can help bring the audience closer to the character in the film.

These are the three basic shots, In my next paragraph i am going to provide examples of different variations of the shots above. 

Two Shot:

A two is a medium to long shot which will feature two characters within the frame. Some two shots will feature one subject in the foreground and one subject in the background. The director will sometimes rack focus in these shots which is a technique i will explain later in this post.

Over The Shoulder:

This is a from of a medium shot which is used to show the viewer who a character is talking to and to show what he /she saying being reacted to. This can help to draw the viewer deeper into the conversation and is a different way of showing dialogue and the emotions of a character.

Angle:

The majority of shots within a film a taken straight on however sometimes they are shot at different angles to add an emphasis to the power and situation of a character. Angle like shot distance can be defined as the position of the camera in relation to the subject.

Types Of Angle:

There are three different types of angle. Each used to emphasise different characteristics about a character. The three are as follows:

1. High Angle
2. Low Angle
3. Canted Angle

High Angle:

A high angle is when the camera is looking down on the subject. By making the subject look smaller it makes he/she look weaker and vulnerable. The viewer is made to feel more powerful or it allows them to identify something or someone in a superior position.

Low Angle:

A high angle will be shot looking up towards the character to make the subject seem more powerful and superior than they may actually be. By using this it also makes the subject look bigger than they actually are.

Canted Angle:

A canted angle is when the camera has been tilted. This type of angle is used to create an effect of surrealism within that scene. The still which i have used above has been taken from the film inception which was quite surreal within itself so it was important that the director used the correct shot to emphasise the surrealism in the film.

Focus:

The focus of a shot is an important part as it can help do draw your eyes to a particular area of the frame which is in focus. Focus is used describe areas which soft (out of focus) and areas which are sharp (in focus). Cameras used to film are very advanced pieces of equipment which are used in collaboration with sophisticated lighting set ups. This allows for the precise adjustment of focus within a shot.

Foreground, Mid-ground And Background:

Every shot is composed of a foreground, mid-ground and a background. Information will usually be in the foreground of the shot with information about setting/location in the background of the shot. The information shown in the shot is reliant on what part of the shot has a sharp focus as that is what the viewers eyes are drawn to. Basically the focus is used to draw the viewers eye.

Depth Of Field:

Cameras will use something called depth of field to control focus. This is the same in photography as it is film. The depth of field is essentially the depth of focus within the frame. It is the degree to which all information is sharp. If the depth of field is deeper more information is identifiable within the frame.

Shallow Depth Of Field:

A shallow depth of field occurs when either the Foreground or Background is soft and the other is sharp (in focus). It is usually used in a close up or medium shot to help draw the viewers attention to a character or object. On a rare occasion they might have both the foreground and the background with a soft focus. They will then have the mid-ground in a sharp focus.

Foreground Focused:

In this case the subject has been shot with a close up which already emphasises their emotions. By using a shallow depth of field the directors have been able to focus the attention of the audience directly onto the subject.

Background Focused:

By using this type of focus the directors have put an emphasis on the location of the film by capturing the famous landmark in the background. It also leaves me curious as to who the character might be however that is only relevant to this still. In the film this shot could be mid way through when we already know who the character is. One more thing which i would question about this scene is whether or not the directors rack focus in this scene. For information about racking focus please see further down on this post.

Mid-Ground Focused:

I was originally going to use this photo for a foreground focus however after studying the photo more i discovered that the subject in focus is actually in the mid-ground.

Deep Depth Of Field:

A deep depth of field is when both the foreground and background are in focus. This is forces the viewer to actively decide what they are focusing on when they watch the scene.

Example:

You can see from this example that both the foreground and background are focused and it leaves the viewer wondering whether they are focusing on the characters or what lies on the hill in the background.

Camera Movement:

In films the camera is almost always moving, whether it will be following a character or moving to show a landscape it is almost always moving. In the next few paragraphs i am going go through the different types camera movement with examples of how they are shot.

Different Types Of Camera Movement:

1. Tilt 
2. Pan 
3. Push in/Pull Out/Dolly
4. Track
5. Handheld
6. Steadicam
7. Crane
8. Aerial

I am going to use examples of clips instead of stills in for the different types of camera movement as i think that it will illustrate the movement of the camera to a better extent than that of a still.

Tripod: A tripod is a three legged stand used to support a camera.

Tilt:

A tilt movement will usually be shot on a tripod. It will be a vertical movement from a fixed point either moving up or down.

Pan:

A pan is a horizontal movement around a fixed point. This will again be shot on a tripod. It is used to convey a scene or it is used at the beginning of a film as an establishing shot.

Dolly:

There are three types of dolly based movement, these are as follows:

1. Push In
2. Pull Out 
3. Tracking

What Is A Dolly:

A dolly is a low platform sitting on tracks of some sort used to create smooth camera movement s when producing a film.

Push In/Pull Out:

Push in is when a camera slowly moves into the frame. It is often used to immerse the viewer into the frame. Pull out is the opposite of pull in. It is often used to withdraw the viewer from the scene.

Tracking:

A tracking shot is when the camera moves across the frame. It will often be shot on a dolly to keep the motion steady.

Handheld:

A handheld can usually be identified by the shakiness of the camera. It is often used to create the verisimilitude of a shot.

Steadicam:

A steadicam is a body brace which with a system of pulleys keeps the camera stable and floaty throughout the duration of the shot. It is highly rated in the film industry as it allows for the free movement of a camera without a tripod or dolly when shooting scenes in a film. 

This shot is widely considered of the best one take shots done on a steadicam. It was taken from the film goodfellas.

Aerial:

This shot will be made by taking a camera up in a helicopter or plane and shooting from that to emphasise an aspect of the narrative. The example i have provided above is actually shot from a drone which is a new piece of equipment used to film aerial shots in much tighter environments.

Drone:

This is typically what a professional camera drone looks like. If used correctly it can create smooth and high quality images to be used in the production of a film.

Crane:

Sometimes a small crane will be used on set to produce smooth shots coming from the ground upwards. It is a good technique which expands on the narrative shown in standard shots such as a close up.

Colour/Stock:

• Through the use of filters, exposure, post production and other techniques producers can apply different filters and techniques to emphasise the mood of a shot. The will often alter the colour of the shot to capture a specific effect.

Desaturated:

This shot has been desaturated (some of the colours are drained) to create a darker and more serious mood for the shot. Often used to add to verisimilitude.

Saturated:

A saturated shot is when the shots colours have been exaggerated by either changing the camera settings or by another method.

Black And White:

A film is usually shot in black and white to connote realism. It can also add a dreamy and other worldly effect to the film. Before colour was introduced in there late 1800's to early 1900's all films where shot in black and white so there wasn't really the option to alter use colour.