Film editing techniques are used by film editors to tell stories using video content through importing film footage, organizing shots by scenes and takes, and assembling the pieces to create a compelling story.
If you want to become an editor, you need to learn some essential film editing terms and techniques.
This editing technique creates an ongoing stream of action.
This type of mistake happens when inconsistent actions or visual elements appear in shots.
This technique gives the appearance that two storylines are happening simultaneously.
Use cuts to transition from one shot into another.
This technique refers to a shot from another scene interrupting an action shot.
This occurs when the beginning of one shot gradually overlaps the end of another.
Editing involves choosing and combining film footage to create a complete story.
The film editing process is part of the post-production process and involves either physical film or digital technology.
Cross-cuts, fades, dissolves, wipes, and jump cuts are all editing transitions.
This shot shows a location to help viewers understand the scene’s setting.
This editing technique reveals what the characters see or experience rather than showing the characters themselves.
With a fade, visual and audio elements gradually disappear as new ones take over to suggest a new setting or time.
This transition involves a circle that increases and then decreases in size.
This editing technique involves playing the audio before the visual aspect.
This type of cut is sudden and excludes key parts of the action.
For an L cut, the audio and visual components change at different rates between shots. Watch this clip from Fight Club:
Here is another example from Skyfall:
This editing technique juxtaposes two shots with similar compositions. Here is an example from 2001: A Space Odyssey:
Here is an example from Lawrence of Arabia:
A montage is a series of shots that can tell a story or make an emotional impact. Here is a montage from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly:
Here is an example from the Karate Kid:
This technique moves text or graphics up or down the screen.
Essentially a rough draft, this cut is the first draft of a film.
This lengthy shot typically lasts for a whole scene.
This technique involves alternating over-the-shoulder shots of two characters, usually as they talk with each other.
Also known as a hard cut, this type of cut goes from shot to shot without a transition.
This technique involves adding sound effects or music to film.
A wipe is a pattern or visual element that appears as one shot transitions into another.
When you start out in this field, follow these principles of film editing.
Think about editing as the director films a scene, and plan or recommend appropriate shots.
When you’re editing, eliminate the fluff, and use shots that tell the story.
Don’t hesitate to leave out great footage if it doesn’t move the story along.
Each cut should reveal a new perspective or additional information.
Get creative and avoid cuts between similar shots.
If necessary, insert cutaways between similar shots.
Here is another example from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off:
Add a mid shot between a closeup and a long shot for better flow.
Establish locations and settings with long shots.
Pace each shot so that viewers can understand it without losing interest.
Think about the most appropriate transitions you can use to join different shots.
Edit during an action, rather than at the start or end of the action, for a smoother scene. Here is an example from the Matrix:
Cut from one moving shot to another or from one still shot to another.
Keep sound levels consistent throughout each scene.
Make sure music and sound effects don’t drown out dialog.
Add ambient background noise to avoid silence, and use J cuts or L cuts for variety.
Make sure each cut contributes to the scene or film as a whole.
To understand film editing techniques better, see this invisible art in action.
This masterpiece of film editing includes several sequences that tell complex stories visually, completely without dialog.
Sound plays a significant role in this film, as each cut is edited to synchronize with sound effects or music.
In this film, the editors juxtapose shots of very different scenes, such as a baptism and an assassination, to add new layers of meaning.
This masterful example shows how editors can create tension by cutting to various perspectives of the action, using increasing speed to elevate this feeling.
This film delivers continual, unrelenting action by cutting on movement and keeping the momentum going.
The Oscar-winning editor of this film created sequences of emotional scenes and action scenes to heighten the viewer’s knowledge of the main character’s inner feelings. Here are a few clips from the movie:
To become a great film editor, you need a mix of academic and technical knowledge. Watching YouTube videos can help you learn some technical basics, and enrolling in film school can help you gain academic knowledge and get a foothold in the industry.
Programs like Adobe Premiere Pro can handle all of your film editing needs. This software does everything from importing and trimming film footage to adding effects.
Adobe Premiere Pro is integrated with other products like After Effects and Adobe Stock. With these programs, you can access extra footage and add effects.
Practice might not make perfect, but it can enhance your skills. By completing tutorials, you can learn new skills and improve your film editing abilities.
The best film editors are creative and determined, even when they face difficult situations. They also continuously strive to improve their craft.
Some film editors have full-time jobs for one production studio, while others work freelance jobs for multiple clients. Many work 40-hour weeks, and some take on additional projects.
Many film editors join the Motion Picture Editors Guild, a union of post-production film professionals. The Editors Guild also offers networking and development resources.
Many film editors start out as interns, assistant editors, or production assistants. From there, you can build a network and look for jobs that require more responsibility and skill.
To get started, set up a website and start uploading your work. Download stock footage to get practice editing film and telling stories.
Get as much experience as possible to advance your editing skills. Experienced film editors can often choose larger, higher-paying projects.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about film editing:
To excel as a film editor, you need these key skills:
Editing involves creating a story with your eyes and emotions. Depending on the cuts and techniques you use, the process can include visible and invisible editing.
Film editors make an average annual salary of $52,100. Members of the Editors Guild earn rates based on the union’s scale.
Are you interested in a career in film editing? Learn more about the Cinema Production Program at NFI today.
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