Tag: Film techniques

Video Editing Techniques and Transitions

Posted on by Presil Roshan

 

Video editing is the process of manipulating and rearranging video footage, audio, and visual elements to create a final, polished video.

Video editing Timeline

Some of the widely used editing techniques are:

 

Continuity Editing: Continuity editing aims to maintain visual coherence and consistency by ensuring smooth transitions and logical sequencing of shots.

Cut: The most basic type of edit, a cut involves removing a portion of a clip and joining it with another clip or scene. It helps maintain the flow and pace of your video

 

 

Cross-cutting: Cross-cutting, also known as parallel editing, involves intercutting between two or more separate storylines or actions happening simultaneously, creating tension or highlighting connections between them.

Cutting on Action: Cutting on action refers to the technique of making a cut in the middle of a character’s action or movement, creating a smooth and continuous flow between shots.
Jump Cut: A jump cut is an abrupt transition between shots within the same scene, creating a noticeable jump in time or action. It can be used for stylistic purposes or to create a sense of tension or urgency.
Match Cut: A match cut is a transition where a visual or audio element in one shot is matched with a similar element in the next shot, creating a seamless connection between the two.
L Cut: An L cut is when audio from the previous shot extends into the following shot, allowing for a smooth audio-visual transition.
J Cut: A J cut is an editing technique commonly used in film and video production. It refers to a type of audio-visual transition where the audio from the next shot begins before the current shot has finished.

 

Smash Cut: A smash cut is a sudden and jarring transition between shots, typically used to create a strong contrast or surprise effect.
Invisible Cut: An invisible cut is an edit that is seamlessly integrated, making the transition between shots nearly imperceptible to the viewer.
Fade In/Out: A fade in is a gradual increase in the visibility of an image or audio, while a fade out is a gradual decrease. They are often used to indicate the beginning or end of a scene or to create a transition effect.
Cross Dissolve: A cross dissolve, also known as a cross fade, is a transition where one shot gradually blends into the next shot by simultaneously fading out the first image and fading in the second image.
Cutaways and Inserts: Cutaways are brief shots that temporarily divert the viewer’s attention from the main action, providing additional context or detail.
Inserts are close-up shots of specific details or objects that add visual information.

Some of the most famous video editing software is –

  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Final Cut Pro
  • Avid Media Composer
  • DaVinci Resolve
  • Sony Vegas Pro
  • iMovie
  • HitFilm Express
  • Filmora
  • Pinnacle Studio
  • Magix Movie Edit Pro
IMAGES OF LOGOS OF FAMOUS VIDEO EDITING SOFTWARES

 

Subtle Camera Work In The Handmaid’s Tale

Posted on by Jane Good

The Handmaid’s Tale: Season 5 Episode 2 “Ballet” SPOILERS!

An intense start to season 5 of the Handmaid’s Tale, Fred is dead, June is back home in Canada with her family, and Serena is trying to take a stand after her husbands death. What will happen next now that June’s villain is gone?

I was recently watching this season and was moved by how brilliant Elisabeth Moss is as an actress and a director. One specific moment that caught my attention is Fred’s funeral in episode 2 “Ballet” and not just because he is now officially gone. During this scene, the crew added some very subtle details that develop the characters into who they will be in this season but also shocking camera work that had me thinking about it for days.

The costumes were a minor identifier to Serena and Junes characters in this episode. Serena, with her all black attire, representing the bad or evil. June, with her stunning white dress, representing the good. This choice was to establish the roles these women will play, and the conflicts of good vs evil, angel vs devil. This leads into who Serena will become this season.

Another topic I wanted to cover is the end of the funeral scene. Now the funeral was originally supposed to be small and quiet, but Serena demanded the best for her husband, so she suggested a lavish, globally broadcasted affair, for those to witness what Gilead is like to the whole world. Remorseful, merciful, human. Serena walks behind the casket, looking regal and sorrowful. This whole event choreographed for her to look like she has control. Serena does care about her husband, but it is important to note that she had her own motives for this funeral. Mostly for it to pose as a form of revenge.

While the funeral continues, June and Luke are enjoying a day of normalcy. A chance to breathe before their world comes crashing down.

By the end of this episode, we see June and Luke staring up at the broadcast at Yonge-Dundas Square, watching as Serena kisses a young girls forehead. That girl being Hannah, June’s daughter.

This moment had me reeling. I could practically feel Junes anger and desperation through the screen. Now the moment that I want to highlight is at the very end where we see Serena subtly looking down with a smirk, while June is looking up with pure rage on her face. Almost as if they are looking directly at each other.

 

The camera work was brilliant for this scene, it creates mood and displays the shift in power and control between Serena and June. These angles are a psychological manipulator that manipulates our perception. So this camera technique is a low-angle shot, from Serena’s perspective, with a high-angle shot, from June’s perspective. These methods are commonly used in a scene when you want to portray a specific power dynamic between the characters. The person looking down, using a low-angle shot, would seem strong or powerful while the person looking up, using a high-angle shot, would seem vulnerable or powerless. So this angle gives Serena strength, it shows the audience that Serena is something to fear. June, in this moment, is powerless against Serena. She has no control.

Executive producer Warren Littlefield said when talking about this scene, “Serena Joy’s stepping in and getting on the throne, and she’s masterful. She’s powerful. She’s a great chess player.” Further proving that the villain of this season is Serena. Slowly making her way to power by sharing the benefits of Gilead with the rest of this world.

I have not watched the rest of the season, but I am excited to see what other masterful scenes Elisabeth Moss made. Also what the rest of season will bring.