Film Editing Glossary

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chromakey

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method of ellectronically inserting an image from one video source into the image of another through areas designated as its key color. It is frequently used on news programs to display weather graphics behind talent

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compositing

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superimposing multiple layers of video or images. Each layer may move independently. Titles are a simple and common example of compositing.

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continuity editing

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editing that creates action that flows smoothly across shots and scenes without jarring visual inconsistencies. Establishes a sense of story for the viewer

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crawl

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editing that creates and action that flows smoothly scross shots and scenes without jarring visula inconsistencies. Establishes a sense of story for the viewer

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cross-fade

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simultaneous fade-in of one audio or video source as another fades out so that they overlap temporarily. Also called a dissolve

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cross cutting`

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cutting back and fourth quicky between two or more lines of action, indicating thaey are happening simultaneously

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cut

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a visual transition created in editing in which one shot is instantaneously replaced on ascreen by another

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cutaway

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shot of something other than principal action frequently used as a transitional footage or to avoid a jup cut

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dissolve

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a gradual scene transition. The editor overlaps the end of one shot with the beginning of the next one

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errors of continuity

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disrupts in the flow of a scene, such as failure to match action

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eyeline match

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the matching of the eyelines between two or more characters.

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jump cut

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a cut that creates a lack of continuity by leaving out parts of the action

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linear editing

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tape-based VCR-to-VCR editing. Called "linear" because scenes are recorded in chronological order on the tape.

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lip sync

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proper synchronization of video with audio, lip movement with audible speech.

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matched cut

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a cut joining two shots whose compositional elements match, helping to establish strong continuity of action

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non-linear editing

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digital random access editing that uses a hard drive instead of tape to store video. Random access allows easy arrangement of scenes in any order. It also eliminates the need for rewinding.

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posterization

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Electronic special effect transforming a normal video image into a colage of flattened single-colored areas, without grafuations of color and brightness.

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shot reverse shot cutting

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usually used for conversation scenes, this technique alternates between over-the-shoulder shots showing each character speaking

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superimposition

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title, video or graphic appearing over an existing video picture, partially or completely hiding areas they cover

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sweetening

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post-production process of adding music and sound effects or otherwise enhancing the existing audio with filters and other effects.

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tilting

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process or result of incorporating on-screen text as credits, captions or any other alphanumeric