Editing Techniques in Thrillers

Cutting:

Eye-line match: This is similar to shot reverse shot an refers to the path of where the eye is looking. The camera films a character looking at something and then cuts to their direction of gaze. This is often used in Thrillers to add to the suspense before it reveals what the character is looking at.

Cross-cutting: To alternate one action when editing to show two sequences. In Thriller films, this is used to follow several actions at once. It's normally used when there is a lot going on in different locations. It also creates anticipation because the audience would want to see what happens next - the cut between the sequence would add to the suspense.

Cutaway: This is the interruption of a continuously filmed action by inserting another shot of something else. It often is used when there is suspense, to interrupt the scene so the audience is left wondering what is going to happen next.

Insert: This is when there is part of a scene filmed from a different angle or length from the original shot. It is often used in Thriller films to emphasise different aspects of the scene. For example, when an antagonist pulls out a weapon, an insert might be used to focus on the weapon close-up.

Jump cut: A jump cut is the transition between two shots which appears to have skipped a few frames due to the way the shots are framed in relation to each other. The frames are often similar but not the same to create a jumping movement.

Other Editing Styles:

Slow motion is also often used in many films, particularly when there is a lot of action. This is often to highlight a key moment in the film or to dramatise it to create suspense. Some Thrillers use this editing technique to add to the tension.

Some shots may be in shallow focus. This is when the background is blurred out so only the things in the foreground are sharp and in focus. This draws the audience's attention. Shallow focus is often used to show something important. This can be a person to show their facial expressions or it can be on a prop to show the importance.

There are usually a variety of long takes and short takes. Long takes are often used to draw out the suspense and tension whereas short takes usually reflect on the hectic situation.

Short Film

For the short film to be successful, I would need a range of editing styles. I will be using cross-cutting in the short film during the video message scene. This is because it reveals the situation slowly which creates tension. There is going to be an eye-line match near the end of the scene to show what Adena is looking at.

For the beginning, I am going to have long takes, then changing to short takes during the chase to emphasise the chaotic scene.