Nivel de conocimiento que tiene el docente en el ámbito de la gestión del

6.1 Self – Assessed Exercise

Critically study the functions of editing in a film. Do you think editing is necessary in any film? Give reasons.

6.2 Tutor-Marked Assignment

In one paged-write-up, articulate how editing could help you convey the intended message in the documentary film. State the purpose of editing that documentary film produced by your study group.

7.0 References / Further Reading

Mamer, B. (2009). Film Production Techniques: Creating the Accomplished Image. California: Wadsworth language learning.

Owuamalam, E.O (2007). Film and Screen Directing Owerri: Top Class Publisher.

Unit 4 : Editing Principles

1.0 Introduction

A number of principles influence both shooting and editing. These principles as enumerated by Mamer (2009) merit discussion. This is the essence of this unit. It is designed to enumerated and discuss those principles which are considered while editing a film.

2.0 Objectives

At the end of the tutorials in this unit, you are expected to have mastered:

 The principles considered while editing a film

 The meaning of transition in film editing

 The meaning of economy and pace in editing

 The basic rules in editing.

 Meaning of invisible editing 3.0 Main Content

3.1 General Editing Principles

The general editing principles refer to a number of factors that affect shooting and editing. They are therefore considered very important since they influence the decisions taken by the editor while editing a film. Such principles as enumerated and discussed by Mamer (2009:

348) include the following:

 Transitions

This term is used to describe shots that bridge one setting to another or that mark the passage of time. The term covers a wide range of approaches, but often transitional shots have the added burden of being establishing shots as well. The common approach is to show a setting, establishing both the place and, by extension, the time of day.

There are many ways of handling transitions but editors are advised to find those that are effective but not predictable.

 Economy and Pace

These terms refer to employing each of the individual shots for the shortest time possible i.e their economy while still allowing them to achieve their purpose. This is because each individual film, scene and shot demands its own pace. Achieving economy and pace is attained through control of the physical lengths of the shots, though many other elements affect the sense of a film’s internal rhythm. Usually, it is a question each individual piece of film should be on screen. For instance, if a point cannot be made in two seconds, it certainly does not need to seconds devoted to it. But some film makers like Late Italian director Michelangelo Antonioni, as described by Mamer (2009:349) exploited both a slower pace and the psychological intensity of the close-up. The long-lingering close-up shot of the main character can be used to force the viewer to identify or experience some contemplative and environmental effects that emphasize spaces in between dialogue. But a film can be kept lean and efficient depending on the desired visual presentation and amount of weight the scene should have in terms of the rest of the film.

3.2 Basic Rules in Editing

Some films are cut so that their editing is as seamless as possible.

This is what is known as invisible editing. In his approach, any cut that is abrupt or calls attention to itself is considered a bad cut. The rules that guide editing of films have their genesis in this conventional method. The rules apply not only to editing but also to how the shooting of a scene is approached. They are as follows:

 There must be a reason for a cut.

This is the great overriding, unbreakable rule. When you cut from one image to another, you must have a purpose for that choice. It may be show a response or to emphasize an action or to keep shots from being too long or too static.

 The 30-degree rule

The 30-degree rule says that if you want to cut to a closer shot of a subject, the second shot should vary by at least 30 degrees from an axis drawn from the original camera position to the subject. The bottom line is that you should not move the camera toward the subject in a straight line, the possibility of a disagreeable jump is great if you do.

 Emphasis

Cutting on a subject or an action exaggerates the significance of that subject. In essence, the implicit message is that this subject is important enough to warrant more than a single perspective. If there is a shot of an object on a table –say a knife-followed by a cut to a close-up of the knife, the implication is that the knife is an important element.

 Visual interest

In the whole film, there must be shots that are not visually interesting . if you film a dance rehearsal, for example, there will be parts in which the dancer is turned from the camera or is framed poorly or parts in which the action is just not engaging select the segments in

which what was in front of the camera interrelates with the film frame in a visually exciting way.

 Variety

Your shots must employ a variety of approaches. Vary between close-ups and long shots , low angles and eye level shots, images with different balances of compositional interest , moving and static camera, and so on. In other words, use the camera resources available to you.

If a film is composed entirely of long shots, it risks becoming visually dull and predictable. If the area of interest in all of the compositions is in the same part of the frame, the same problems can occur.

Obviously there are exceptions. Several films that were done largely in long shot have been successful and also some films shot exclusively in close-up shots were successful. But few of them are exceptions. They do not represent the kind of explorations and experiments that provide useful learning experiences for beginners.

4.0 Conclusion

General editing principles refer to a number of factors that influence the editor’s decisions while editing a film, such principles are transitions, economy and pace. Apart from these principles, some basic rules are applied while editing a film. Such rule as the 30-degree rule, variety, visual interest, emphasis and unbreakable and overriding rule of giving a reason for a cut, must be adhered to while editing a film.

5.0 Summary

This unit discussed the general editing principles that affect not only editing but shooting of films as well. Some concepts that are related to the rules which are adhered to while editing films-invisible editing and visually interesting shots-were explained. Finally, this unit x-rayed and laid emphasis on the basic rules that generally guide the editing of films.

6.1 Self –Assessed Exercise

Study the rules that guide the editing of films. Which ones do you think are the most important ones and why are they very important?

6.2 Tutor –Marked Assignment

Describe how you would achieve variety in your documentary and explain how you would lay emphasis on a subject or object in a film.

Pages limit: 2pages.

7.0 References/ Further Reading

Mamer, B. (2009). Film Production Technique: Creating the Accomplished Image. California: Wadsworth Language Learning.

Unit 5: Basic effects in Editing