Everything you need to know about film editing techniques

Film editing is all about selecting and combining shots to create a coherent and compelling narrative. Learning how to master film editing techniques in a way that preserves the soul of your project is an essential part of the filmmaking process, but it's not a simple job. In this article, we'll explore various film editing techniques, their impact on storytelling, and what software to use to employ these all-important techniques.

Contents:

• The role of a film editor
• Different types of film editing techniques
  • Continuity editing
  • Montage editing
  • Parallel editing
• The impact of film editing on storytelling
  • Setting the pace and rhythm of the film
  • Manipulating time and space
  • Influencing the audience's emotional response
  • Evoking themes and atmosphere
• CGI film editing techniques
  • Motion capture
  • Green screens
• Film editing software
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve
  • Avid Media Composer

The role of a film editor

A film editor is akin to a storyteller. They play a pivotal role in transforming raw footage into a polished and engaging film. The editor is in charge of carefully selecting the best shots, arranging them in a sequence, and collaborating with sound designers and VFX supervisors to add audio and visual effects.

Whilst a film editor's role is primarily in post-production, to do their job well they must be involved in every step of the process. During pre-production, the editor will study the screenplay, storyboards and any other material that will help them absorb the narrative and tone of the project. Their decisions influence the overall mood, pacing, and emotional impact of the final product, so it's important that they align fully with the creative vision of the film.

A film editor must have a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of cinematic language. They will work closely with directors and producers to understand their vision and how to bring it to life on the screen. The editor must not only possess technical skills but also understand what makes a good cinematic shot and how to piece them together. This collaborative relationship between the editor and the creative team is essential in delivering a successful film that resonates with audiences.

Film editing is not just about cutting and splicing footage together; it is about crafting a visual and emotional experience for the audience. The rhythm and pacing of a film are carefully constructed by the editor to build tension, create suspense, or evoke specific emotions. Each cut, transition, and effect is meticulously chosen to enhance the storytelling and immerse the viewer in the world of the film. A skilled film editor understands the power of timing and rhythm in creating a cinematic masterpiece that resonates with audiences long after the credits roll.

Different types of film editing techniques

Continuity editing

In continuity editing, the editor aims to achieve a smooth flow and seamless continuity between shots. This film editing technique ensures that the audience remains engrossed in the story without being distracted by jarring cuts or inconsistencies. By connecting shots through the careful manipulation of visual and audio cues, the editor creates a sense of reality within the film.

Continuity editing is often referred to as the 'invisible art' of filmmaking, as its success is measured by how imperceptible it is to the viewer. The editor meticulously reviews each frame to ensure that the action flows seamlessly from one shot to the next, maintaining the illusion of a continuous and coherent narrative.

Montage editing

Montage editing is a film editing technique where a series of short shots are edited together into a sequence to condense space, time, and information. It’s often used to convey a lot of information quickly, showing the passage of time, a character's transformation, or to build a particular emotion or idea.

The origins of montage editing can be traced back to the pioneering work of filmmakers like Sergei Eisenstein, who used this film editing technique to convey complex ideas and emotions through the juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated images. Montage editing is not only a tool for condensing time and idea, but is also a creative device for exploring themes, character development, and social commentary within a film.

Parallel editing

Parallel editing, also known as cross-cutting, enables the simultaneous telling of multiple storylines. By interweaving different narratives, the editor builds suspense, creates tension, and enriches the overall viewing experience. This film editing technique is particularly effective in films that involve intertwining plot lines or parallel events.

One of the key challenges of parallel editing is maintaining coherence and clarity amidst the complexity of multiple storylines. The editor must carefully balance the pacing and rhythm of each narrative thread to ensure that the audience can follow and emotionally invest in each storyline. When executed successfully, parallel editing can heighten the dramatic tension and provide insights into character motivations.

The impact of film editing on storytelling

Setting the pace and rhythm of the film

One of the fundamental ways in which editing influences storytelling is by setting the pace and rhythm of the film. The editor controls the timing and duration of shots to create a cohesive flow, ensuring that the story progresses at the desired speed. Whether it's a fast-paced action sequence or a slow-burning drama, the pacing and rhythm established through editing greatly impact the way the audience experiences the film.

Manipulating time and space

Film editing techniques allow for the manipulation of time and space within a film. The editor can compress or expand time, enabling the audience to experience events at a different pace. Through creative film editing techniques, such as jump cuts or flashbacks, the editor can take the audience back and forth in time, giving them a unique perspective on the story. By manipulating space, the editor can create continuity between shots filmed in different locations, seamlessly transporting the audience from one place to another.

Influencing the audience's emotional response

The manipulation of shots, sound, and visual effects in film editing can significantly impact the audience's emotional response. By carefully selecting shots, utilising close-ups or wide angles, and determining the timing of cuts, the editor can guide the audience's emotions. Whether it's creating suspense, evoking laughter, or eliciting tears, the choices made in the editing room have a profound effect on how the audience connects with the story and characters.

Evoking themes and atmosphere

Film editing techniques can also play a crucial role in enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of a film. Skilled editors have a keen eye for detail and understand how to use colour grading, visual effects, and transitions to create a visually stunning experience. They can manipulate the lighting and contrast in each shot to evoke specific moods and atmospheres, adding depth and richness to the storytelling.

Film editing techniques allow editors to highlight the themes and motifs present in a film. Through the careful arrangement of shots and sequences, the editor can draw attention to recurring symbols or visual motifs, reinforcing the underlying messages of the story. This attention to detail can elevate the film from a mere visual spectacle to a thought-provoking piece of art that resonates with the audience on a deeper level.

CGI film editing techniques

The advancement of CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) has enabled editors to seamlessly integrate computer-generated elements into live-action footage. This has transformed the way editors approach visual storytelling, allowing for the creation of fantastical worlds and breathtaking visual effects that were once unimaginable.

Motion capture

Motion capture technology is often used in conjunction with CGI to capture and translate an actor's physical movements and facial expressions into a digital character, creating lifelike and emotionally resonant performances in animated or heavily augmented characters.

This film editing technique can be used to create fantastical creatures like Gollum in The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003) and talking animals like in Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), but it is also used to alter the appearance of existing humans, to de-age them or add wounds. In The Irishman (2019), CGI was used to de-age actors Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, allowing them to play their characters across multiple decades.

Green screens

CGI is also used alongside green screen technology, where actors are filmed against a green background that is later replaced with CGI environments or backgrounds during the editing process. Green screens enables filmmakers to create environments that are either impossible to film in reality or too costly to construct physically.

In The Matrix (1999), many action sequences were filmed using green screens, allowing the filmmakers to add complex, digitally-created environments and effects in post-production.

Film editing software

In the early days of cinema, film editing was a manual and time-consuming process that required editors to physically cut and rearrange film strips to create a coherent narrative. Nowadays, editors now have access to powerful film editing software that allows for greater precision, flexibility, and creativity. Aspiring editors can now learn the craft of editing from the comfort of their own homes, breaking down barriers to entry into the industry.

Professional film editors today use advanced film editing software that give them access to a range of tools including colour grading, visual effects, and sound design. Here are some of the most popular and widely used programs:

1.  Abobe Premiere Pro

From Hollywood blockbusters to low-budget filmmaking, Adobe Premiere Pro is an impressive and reliable option for film editors. It integrates seamlessly with other Adobe products like After Effects, Photoshop, and Audition, making it a versatile option for filmmakers who need a range of post-production tools.

Adobe Premiere Pro has been used to edit a number of notable feature films, including Deadpool (2016), Gone Girl (2014) and Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022).

2. Apple Final Cut Pro

Apple Final Cut Pro is a popular editing software among filmmakers, especially those using Mac systems, due to its deep integration with macOS.

Apple Final Cut Pro has been used in the editing of films like The Social Network (2010), No Country for Old Men (2007) and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011).

3. Lightworks

Having been in development since 1989, Lightsworks earned itself an EMMY award back in 2017 for being one of the first to create a digital nonlinear editing software.

Lightworks software has been used to edit a number of Hollywood movies such as Moulin Rouge (2001) and The King's Speech (2010).

4. Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a powerful editing and colour grading software that has become increasingly popular in the industry. It’s especially renowned for its advanced colour correction tools, but it also offers a complete suite for editing, visual effects, and audio post-production.

This award-winning software has been used to edit a number of hit films and TV shows including Avatar (2009) and La La Land (2016), and is commonly used to restore classic films and footage, such as Les Miserables (1925).

5. Avid Media Composer

Avid Media Composer has been a cornerstone in the film and television industry for decades. It’s known for its robust features tailored for long-form editing, making it a top choice for editing feature films and television shows.

Avid Media Composer has been used in the editing of films including Gravity (2013), Life is Beautiful (1997) and Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Wrapping up

Film editing is an evolving art form that plays a vital role in the filmmaking process. By learning how to master film editing techniques, film editors can help to brings directors' visions to life, shaping the narrative flow and emotional impact of their stories. Whilst ongoing advancements in technology provide exciting prospect for the evolution of film editing, we will always rely on the creative decisions and artistic sensibilities of talented film editors.