Editing Terminology

Editing is the process by which shots are put together to create a coherent film narrative. Editing is used to create meaning and dictates the pace of a film.

Continuity Editing: The seamless cutting together of shots to ensure the narrative of the film moves forward.

Cutting: The selection and assembly of the various shots to create a sequence.

Establishing Shot: Usually a long shot at the beginning of a scene that informs the audience about a changed location or time.

Long Take: A shot is allowed to run for a good length of time before and cut to the next shot occurs.

Fade In: Where a black screen is gradually replaced by the image of a scene.

Fade Out: Where a scene is gradually replaced by a black screen.

Cross Fade: The gradual mix of sound sources, used in conjunction with a dissolve.

Dissolve: A transition between two shots where the first one merges into the second

Cutaway: A shot that’s inserted into a sequence to show something of importance or maintain the continuity of the editing.

Slow/Fast Motion: The slowing down or speeding up of the original moving image.

Freeze Frame: A single frame from a sequence that is frozen for a length of time.

Intercutting: Related shots are inserted into a series of other shots to create a contrast or some other meaning.

Jump-Cut: A noticeable edit that advances in time, either accidentally or for the purpose of creating an effect on the spectator.

Match-on-Action: A cut between two different shots in which the same action has been shown.

Match Cut: A cut from one shot to another that has an image of the same general shape as the one in the prior shot.

Montage: The assembly of a number of different shots that are seemingly unconnected but are used to convey one idea.  

Split Screen: The screen is separated by two separate images.

Wipe: A transition where one image replaces another with a boundary edge that moves across the frame.

Iris Wipe: A wipe transition where the image is replaced or revealed by an expanding or diminishing circle.

Super-imposition: Where an image, graphic or text is placed over an image already on screen.

Reference: www.filmsite.org