Editing should be a hidden aspect to the the film, conrolling the pase and enforcing style to the documentry. 

 

 

A straight cut is when the image cuts to a different camera positioning in the 

same scene, straight cuts are hardly noticeable in the way our eyes are use to it. This is 

mainly used in all types of genres. The effects that it has on the audience are barely 

noticeable.

 

 

 

A dissolve is when transition overlays two scenes together. This normally simulates to the audience the passing of time. However, this is not normally used in documentary film but yet in drama or a dream scene.

 

 

Fades to the shot to a single colour, usually black or white. They usually signal the 

beginning and end of scenes. Fades are normally telling the audience that there is a change 

in location or time. It normally opens or closes the act. The fade is the longest transaction 

between shots. This commonly use in action and science fiction films, such as Star Wars. 

 

 

A new image ‘wipes’ across the old one using a defined line. This is normally used as a way to show the narrative has progressed to a new setting or different time. This is commonly used in sci-fi such as 

Star Wars. 

 

 

 

The jump cut is normally a disruptive type of editing, which is usually used to 

draw attention to a major narrative change. To the audience it connotes a very short passing 

of time. This is commonly used in action films for a chase sequences or a change of location. 

 

 

Continuity editing is one of the main important techniques used in film. However, it often goes unnoticed but this is intentional. Continuity editing aims to present a scene so the 

editing is near invisible. The system is near very common in film and television. This is 

mainly used in all type of genre’s and narrative, but some films do make the odd mistake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A light leak is a collection of real light that is able to “leak” into the normal light tight chamber, exposing the film or sensor with extra light. This effect can be used on any editing software that supports composite or blending modes. This effect is great for transitions between shots and dynamic slideshows. On the other hand, this effect is sensational for anchoring your audience by visually entertaining the audience. For example, a scientific documentary that is filled with facts stereotypically bores the audience. These are a helpful cut away to use over the top to still engage the audience. This video is good demonstration for this effect. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The cut way is handy editing technique that interrupts a shot by inserting something else to focus on and enables the editor to assemble a longer sequence. Then continuing the previous shot to avoid a jump cut. Otherwise just having a jump cut will break the audience immersion to the film. This technique is normally used in drama. However, for documentary film this can be used along side the Ken Berns effect of zooming into still/photographs, transitions and changing shot from long medium to close seamlessly. Also to add dramatic effect to the shot depending what it cuts away to.

http://www.videomaker.com/article/13850-the-art-of-the-cutaway

 

 

 

 

 

A buffer shot is a editing technique that help disguise a mistake, or a cut. Buffer shot are sometimes known as “cheat shots”.  For example, if a character A is talking to character B and the microphone are briefly in shot. The editor can insert a shot of character B listening or reacting in some way, to cover up the mistake. This technique is only really used in talking head documentaries. However, talking head documentaries are rare site in modern day cinema. 

 

 

 

The Ken Burns effect is a simple but yet every effective documentary technique. The effect consists panning and/or zooming over a image or still to give a little animation with film. This allows the image to be of importance/interesting then just adding a shot. Ken Burns wasn’t the first to develop this effect. However, he is certainly is the most widely regarded. This technique is very easy to do and can be done on any modern day editing software. This video is a quick tutorial on how to do this effect. 

http://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/tech/diy-ken-burns-effect/