Editing Techniques

Parallel Editing: Parallel editing, or crosscutting, a cinematic convention in which two or more concurrent scenes are interwoven with each other. It can be used to show the differences between two separate experiences, e.g. two separate peoples journey to the same party.


Cross Cutting: This is an editing technique used in films to establish continuity. In a cross-cut, the camera will cut away from one action to another action. Because the shots occur one after another, cross-cutting is used to suggest simultaneity of action.



Jump cut: This is a cut in editing where the middle section of a continuous shot is removed, and the beginning and end of the shot are then joined together. The technique breaks continuity in time and produces a startling effect.


Shot/Reverse Shot: This is a film technique wherein one character is shown looking (often off-screen) at another character, and then the other character is shown looking "back" at the first character. Since the characters are shown facing in opposite directions, the viewer assumes that they are looking at each other.



This is a British example of shot and reverse shots used to create a conversation like atmosphere to the viewer from one of my favourite shows skins (1:00- onwards).