Editing is gathering a collection of videos then putting them in order, creating a proper video. There are many softwares available to edit. Most aren purchasable, some are free with your computer. Editing involves not nearly a theoretical consideration of the effect of one shot upon another, or a linear rendition of a script, or a mechanical measurement of frames. Dozens of joined shots fly past the eye at twenty-four frames per second, and the cumulative impact is of an overall image, emotion or sensation.
Define 'Elliptical Editing'
Elliptical Editing is an editing technique making events in the film that lasts a long period of time, last for a short period of time. This technique is used in many films. Here's an example in 'Batman Begins':
The simplest type of elliptical edit is a cut between two shots, both of which show part of the same event. The cut between the two shots allows filmmakers to omit part of that event, thus reducing the time that the event is shown on-screen. Editors use elliptical editing to control the pace of the story. A long, tedious event that may take hours in the story may be elided so that film spectators only need to sit through a few minutes. For example, the hero of the story might be wandering in a desert for days. In a sense, the breaks between scenes are elisions. The film is a series of scenes, each of which only show the most interesting or dramatic events. The interleaving tedium--for example, walking from place to place, sleeping, etc.--is omitted, since spectators aren't interested. Almost all narrative films use elliptical editing in some fashion to keep the running time reasonable.
Why are 'Long Shots' used?
Long Shots are used to not just capture the character, but to also capture the characters surroundings. This is also referred to as 'Wide Shots'. They are used to set the scene in films. An example of Long Shots are used in the video under 'Define Elliptical Editing'. It is usually photographed with a wide angle lens (approximately a 25mm lens in 35mm photography and a 10mm lens in 16mm photography.) The main thing is what the shot encompasses. If it encompasses a general setting that gives the opening shot of the film as much information as can be clearly presented with one angle, then it's an establishing shot and can be shot with any lens. The long shot usually introduces the beginning of every scene. It sets in motion the audience's perception of time, place and logical action of the scene that is about to transpire. There are some special exceptions that have to be mentioned. You can shoot effectively in long shot when using a moving crane, a tracking shot, a moving car shot, a moving aerial shot and, of course, all kinds of dolly shots. All these shots work, because they are assumed to be POVs (Point of Views) of some character or people.
What is 'Non-Diagetic Sounds'?
'Non-Diagetic Sounds' are sounds used on top of scenes. These sounds are not included in the story but are added to add more of an effect on the film. These include:
- Mood music
- The narrator's voice
- Sounds to add a more dramatic effect
This means that 'Diagetic Sounds' are the complete opposite. Characters may hear these sounds as they are included in the actual story. The distinction between diegetic or non-diegetic sound depends on our understanding of the conventions of film viewing and listening. We know of that certain sounds are represented as coming from the story world, while others are represented as coming from outside the space of the story events. A play with diegetic and non-diegetic conventions can be used to create ambiguity (horror), or to surprise the audience (comedy).
