Film editing basic cuts
Editing is the basis of filmmaking. Viewers judge meaning based on the comparison of shots and scenes within the documentary.
• Uninflected cuts: Filmmakers want to communicate meaning with the cut, with the shift from one piece of visual information to another piece of visual information; as soon as the cut comes in, the viewer should have sufficient information to form new judgments. An uninflected cut is one that offers one primary piece of visual information (even in the context of other visual information in the shot, a primary segment of visual information stands out) in order to make one significant point to the viewer.
• Insert close-ups: One way filmmakers break down narrative scenes is by inserting a close-up in an unexpected context; when this is done the shot is often a close-up in order to draw our attention to the image/object and facilitate our judgment of the action.
• Reaction shot: a primary means of conveying meaning within the context of narrative is through the use of a reaction shot--a medium shot or close-up of a character/person just after significant action occurs within the scene. The shot of the character/person provides a visual marker for his/her response to that action. In film we follow action by means of visual cues like reaction shots--we need to see the face of the character/person in order to "read" that character/person's response.
• Uninflected cuts: Filmmakers want to communicate meaning with the cut, with the shift from one piece of visual information to another piece of visual information; as soon as the cut comes in, the viewer should have sufficient information to form new judgments. An uninflected cut is one that offers one primary piece of visual information (even in the context of other visual information in the shot, a primary segment of visual information stands out) in order to make one significant point to the viewer.
• Insert close-ups: One way filmmakers break down narrative scenes is by inserting a close-up in an unexpected context; when this is done the shot is often a close-up in order to draw our attention to the image/object and facilitate our judgment of the action.
• Reaction shot: a primary means of conveying meaning within the context of narrative is through the use of a reaction shot--a medium shot or close-up of a character/person just after significant action occurs within the scene. The shot of the character/person provides a visual marker for his/her response to that action. In film we follow action by means of visual cues like reaction shots--we need to see the face of the character/person in order to "read" that character/person's response.
Framing and Composition from Videopia on Vimeo.
Rule of thirds from Mike Browne on Vimeo.
