AS Media Studies Unit G322a
Lesson Objectives
By the end of the session you should be able to:
List at 4 elements that we look for when analysing editing. Identify the edits used in a TV drama clip and discuss the effect they have. Some of you will be able to relate the use of editing in a TV drama clip to the representations that are constructed.
What are we looking for when analysing editing in a clip?
Task 1: Write down as many elements, that come under editing, as you can think of (2 mins)
What are we looking for when analysing editing in a clip?
Order of shots Juxtaposition Continuity? Transitions Shot duration Pace and rhythm Special effects
You need to be able to discuss how these technical elements help create meaning.
Hitchcock Loves Bikinis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCAE0t6K wJY&feature=PlayList&p=DC6A8F00C8251D25 &index=3
Continuity
Continuity editing
Cutting shots to tell a story with narrative continuity, helping the viewer make sense of the action by implying spatial relationships and ensuring smooth flow from shot to shot. Continuity techniques: Establishing shot (establishes the space in which action is to happen) The 180 rule (ensures that the same space is described in each shot) Shot/reverse shot Eyeline match (e.g. character looks off-screen, next shot shows us what they see) Match on action (character begins to move in one shot, we see continuation of the same movement in the next shot) Realism - edit is invisible so action appears real rather than constructed.
Non-Continuity
Montage giving information in compressed form can come under Non-continuity editing Continuity is broken and construction is more apparent. Meaning often created through juxtaposition and metaphor shot inserts.
Transitions
The process of cutting from one shot to another usually involves a simple straight cut. However there are other means of transition available to a film editor Fade to black Dissolve/cross fade Wipe
Fade the preceding shot fades into black from which the following
shot emerges.
Fade the preceding shot fades into black from which the following
shot emerges.
Fade the preceding shot fades into black from which the following
shot emerges.
Dissolve or cross fade the preceding shot merges into the following shot, resulting in the two shots being superimposed. The longer the dissolve the more noticeable the superimposition becomes.
Dissolve or cross fade the preceding shot merges into the following shot, resulting in the two shots being superimposed. The longer the dissolve the more noticeable the superimposition becomes.
Dissolve or cross fade the preceding shot merges into the following shot, resulting in the two shots being superimposed. The longer the dissolve the more noticeable the superimposition becomes.
Shot duration/pace
The duration of a shot will usually reflect the narrative context. Generally speaking short shot duration conveys action and urgency (say in a chase sequence). Click here for a chase sequence from Die Another Day. See if you can count the number of shots! Whilst long duration conveys intensity and intimacy within the narrative, it allows us to focus upon facial expression and other aspects of mise en scene which would otherwise be missed.
Some editing devices
Parallel editing - crosscutting between different locations can convey the impression that two or more events are occurring simultaneously. split screen where the frame is split into sections so that we can see different events occurring at the same time. This technique was used on the TV series 24.
Editing controls what we see and when
When analysing a clip also consider how editing techniques are used to control: What information is revealed to or hidden from a) the characters b) the audience
Task 2
Analyse the editing in the following clips: Opening of Luther http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_Qg1pQSOa0 Opening of Desperate Housewives OR Hollyoaks OR your choice ( MUST be a TV drama)
(Use your notes to work through each element)
Be ready to feedback to the rest of the class
