Editing techniques

Cut
A simple cut from one scene to another, usually changing location. Cuts often happen every 8 seconds or more frequently so that the viewer is not bored by the current scene.

Jump Cut, Match Cut and Cutaway



Motivated Cut
Cut made just at the point where what has occurred makes the viewer immediately want to see something which is not currently visible.

Cutting rate
Frequent cuts may be used as deliberate interruptions to shock, surprise or emphasize. Builds tension in the scene.

Cutting rhythm
A cutting rhythm may be progressively shortened to increase tension. Can make the scene more exciting for the viewer.

Cross-cut
A cut from one line of action to another.

Reaction shot
Any shot, usually a cutaway, in which a participant reacts to action which has just occurred.

Insert shot
A bridging close-up shot inserted into the inform the audience of the context, showing an essential detail of the scene.

Buffer shot
A bridging shot to separate two shots which would have reversed the continuity of direction (usually taken with a separate camera).

Fade/Dissolve
A dissolve is a gradual transition from one image to another. The terms fade out and fade in are used to describe a transition to and from a blank image.

Super Impositions
The placement of an image or video on top of an already existing image or video.

Wipe
One shot replaces another by travelling from one side of the frame to another or with a special shape.

Insert
Part of a scene as filmed from a different angle and/or focal length from the master shot. It covers the action from a master shot but emphasises different aspects of the action. 

Split Screen
The visible division of the screen, usually in half, but sometimes in several simultaneous images.

Stock Shot
A film clip usually kept in a film library for possible use in future pictures.