Yale Film Studies Editing Terms and Techniques

[Kim Welch]

YALE FILM STUDIES
Film Analysis Web Site 2.0

http://classes.yale.edu/film-analysis/htmfiles/editing.htm#29959


For those who are interested in becoming familiar with the vocabulary of editing and the techniques of cinema. There are links to film clips illustrating the topic or term in question.



* Editing Devices
Transitions
cheat cut
cross cutting, aka parallel editing
cut-in, cut away
dissolve
iris
jump cut
establishing shot/reestablishing shotshot/reverse shot
super imposition
wipe
*Matches
eyeline match
graphic match
match on action
Duration
long take, aka plan-sequence
overlapping editing
rhythm
*Styles
continuity editing
montage,
elliptical editing

Here is the index link. Very good organized information here.
http://classes.yale.edu/film-analysis/index.htm

 

[Kim Welch]

This editing vocabulary is still the foundation of every cut: match on action, eyeline match, cross-cutting, jump cuts. The Yale site has moved since this was posted, so search for Yale Film Analysis to find the current version.

A good exercise: pick one term from the list, find three examples in films you love, and try it in your next edit. Which editing technique do you use most, and which one would you like to learn next?