Research into different types of Editing

Editing is the stage in the film-making process that sound and images are organised into an overall narrative.

Continuity Editing is the most common type, it's aim is to create reality and time moving forward, this technique does not draw attention to the editing process and does not stand out of place in the film. The camera has to apply the 180 degree rule to make sure there is continuity in the film, the camera must chose which side they are going to film on and stay at that side they cannot pass the line as it will not naturally continue as characters will appear to have moved opposite places. The only time the camera can break the 180 degree line is when the camera does not cute and continues filming round the scene showing the audience that the camera is moving.


Cross Cutting is an editing technique of alternating or interweaving one action scence, sequence or event with another. This is commonly used when two different people are in two different locations being shown on screen one after each other which shows their parallel actions that are taking place at the same time. This technique builds up tension or suspense in chasing scenes. The most famous example is Godfather of cross-cutting occurs when Michael Corleone stands up at his nephew's baptism. While he is vowing to renounce Satan all the rival mafia bosses are getting offed, we presume, under Michael Corleone's orders. These two scenes are interwoven, contrasting Michael's supposed religious devotion with his ruthless killing of several men (and one mistress).

Freeze Frame is a technique that we may use. This technique is done to allow the audience's attention to only be on one specific person or event. This is a freeze frame from the film "Goodfellas" It stops in mid-action to allow all the audience's attention to focus on this action and the one character. Some films apply this technique in film endings as it is a good way to finish a film, like for example in 'Against All Odds'. It ends with a freeze-frame which shows the emotion in that conclusion.