EDITING TECHNIQUES

The two basic editing techniques in videotape editing are continuity cutting and compilation cutting. Both are explained in the following text.

Figure 14-48. - Cutaway.

Figure 14-49. - Cut-in.

Continuity Cutting

Continuity cutting is the most commonly used method of editing videotape for news or feature releases. It is used when the storytelling is dependent on matching consecutive scenes. Continuity cutting consists of matched cuts in which continuous action flows from one shot to another.

The three transitional devices associated with continuity cutting are the cutaway, cut-in and crosscutting.

CUTAWAY. - When the action shown is not a portion of the previous scene, a transitional device, known as a cutaway, is used to change positions, movements or characters or to denote a lapse of time. This eliminates a mismatch, or jump cut, that would cause the segment to appear jerky or out of sequence. Cutaways are often termed protection, reaction, insert or cover shots and are thought of as secondary action shots.

For example, if the main thought is centered around a parade, cutaways might consist of closeup shots of the crowd Children may be shown watching intently, eating candy or applauding; adults may be wearing different expressions of emotion or carrying children on their shoulders (fig. 14-48). These shots are of human interest and are related to the main story, but are not actually a primary part of it.

If you have a good selection of cutaways, often you can make a marvelous story out of an otherwise drab and commonplace event. The cutaway can cover a multitude of camera operator errors and result in the formulation of an exciting segment.

Cutaways should last between three and five seconds.

CUT-IN. - Another method used to denote a lapse of time is the cut-in. Unlike the cutaway, the cut-in is a part of the primary action, rather than the secondary action. For instance, to denote a person climbing a long flight of stairs, you establish the individual at the start of the climb, then cut to a close-up of feet as they take the steps. After you establish the shot (three to five seconds), you cut back to the person at the top of the stairs (fig. 14-49). A person can appear to walk a city block in just a few seconds by showing feet walking or a hand carrying a briefcase.

Figure 14-50. - Crosscutting.

CROSSCUTTING. - Crosscutting is the old standby of videotape editing. In crosscutting, you use shots from two different actions or events that will finally be related. A time-honored example is the "meanwhile, back at the ranch" style, or the hero riding hard to save the life of the heroine who has been chained to a buzz saw by the villain (fig. 14-50). The action would be cutback and forth between the desperate rider and the saw as it comes dangerously close to the heroine's head, showing the progress of each, then finally relating them as the rider arrives at the last moment to save the heroine.

Compilation Cutting

The second method of videotape editing is compilation cutting. This is used in documentary-style stories of surveys, reports, history or travelogues. Segments are tied together through narration. The narrative explains the shots, which may have little or no matching relation. These shots or scenes maybe long or short shots, or they may go from longshots to close-ups without any special transitions.