AS1: Task 11: Creating Pace with Cross Cutting

Creating Pace with Cross Cutting

When creating a film sequence it is vital to focus on the pacing. Editing plays a huge role within the pace of a film sequence as well. 

Our Task:

Our task was to form a group and create and edit a film sequence which depicted two or more characters approaching each other from different locations. We had to assign the following roles for this task:

• Director
• Camera Operator
• 2x Actors 

Cast and Crew:

Characters:

Samuel Aworinde

Bradley Scamell
Shivam Sharma

Camerawoman:

Diana Adriano

Boompole/Mic:

Jasmine King

Idea/Plot:

The idea was to was to present pacing in our work and make the plot clear to the audience watching what is about to happen. To begin, we had a slow pace to create the build up to the actual storyline itself. After this, the pace should've gotten faster as the film sequence is leading up to the main part of the sequence.

As a group, our plot consisted of classmates, Bradley and Samuel in a deep discussion about smuggling drugs into the school where they can take them in secret. They both devise a plan to leave their classroom where they can take the drugs - hoping not to be caught. Unfortunately to their dismay, Samuel actually drops the drugs on the floor. After their lesson, the teacher, Shivam comes across the drugs in the corridor and later expels the pair.

Shown below is the storyboard and final, edited film sequence my group and I created.

                                                         

In order to create pace with cross cutting in our film sequence, we created a plot which included a slow pacing start. As the plot thickens, tension rises as the two characters (Samuel and Bradley) are about to be caught out by their teacher.

We see the use of pace when the characters first meet. Initially, it's a slow start when the characters enter the classroom. The scene then cross cuts to their angered teacher (Shivam) questioning why the pair are late to the lesson. The pace quickens when the two leave the classroom, with their teacher following them closely.

The pace quickens and tension builds towards the end of the sequence when the two characters are finally caught out by their teacher - resulting with a severe punishment behind the scenes. 

AS1: Task 10: Understanding Pace

Understanding Pace

In a film, each sequence relates to the pace of the film. An example of this would be to create an action packed film. When editing scenes, they would have to be quick. A scene may last for a few seconds depending on the genre itself. The speed of editing determines what takes place on the screen. The length of a sequence establishes the pace of the film moving along the action sequence. 

Creating Pace:

Filmmakers want the audience to feel anxious and have suspense - therefore editing will be quick. The scenes and shots will change frequently due to this. This is seen in the film; "The Bourne Ultimatum".

During a relaxing mood, scenes last longer and change less frequently. For example, this is represented in a romantic comedy. An example of this would be seen in the film; "The Notebook".

Gunfight Scene

During this scene from 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly' we see a very slow build up towards a a gunfight scene. The pace is slow at first as the tension rises. We see the three men all stare at each other closely to see who is going to draw their gun first. Suddenly the pace rapidly increased and one man drew his gun and shot the other man. The pace shown in this scene demonstrates how the pace increases.

Russian Ark:

Throughout this film, only one edit was produced. The film was a continuous long shot throughout the entire. One scene was filmed continuously, using a 'Steadicam' and digital camera. To do this, split second timing and precise organisation would be required. If the shot was disrupted, then the scene would have to be filmed again. Shown below is the ballroom scene from Russian Ark.

           

 The Hunger Games Trailer:

A trailer involves a lot of editing and will be made to look very fast. Trailers will only include major parts of the film to create suspense through the action.

Scenes may become shorter when the film progresses due to the editing cuts. This is achieved through illustrating two or more storylines at once.

Psycho:

In this film we see the character, Marion step into the shower. There are numerous edits made during the lead up to her attack. I personally counted a total of 12 edits. This creates suspense for the audience as it leaves them in the process of establishing what is bound to happen next.

The scenes at the start of any film should be long enough to be able to gather an understanding of what is actually happening. It's also a slow process trying to introduce the protagonist, however.

Cross Cutting:

This is the process of editing two sequences together that present a connection to the audience. An event occurs at the exact same time in different locations and it demonstrates how a character is reliving a memory.

Developing Drama:

Cross Cutting is also used for effective drama development. We see this in the horror film; "Scream" when character, Casey, is demonstrated dramatically by cross cutting to her parents approaching the house and almost saving her in time before her death. 

AS1: Task 9: Non Continuity Editing

 Non Continuity

What is Non Continuity Editing?

Non Continuity Editing is a style of film making which was made popular during the 1950's and 1960's. Notably, Jean Luc Godard and François Truffaut tested their technological skill and created the new style - "French New Wave". The French New Wave didn't conform to the traditional editing etiquette of Hollywood films.

The French New Wave generally had a lack continuity and self reflexive nature. it was applied to remind the audience that they were watching a film.

There was also a lack of material, not related to any narrative and this was used to keep the audiences surprised, entertained and intrigued.

What is a Jump Cut?

A Jump Cut is the edit of jumping from one scene to another. This was placed in the film created by Jean Luc Godard; 'A Bout de Souffle' (Breathless), shown below.

We see how the woman in the car, in the stills shown below is staring directly at the road in the first shot.

In the second shot we see how the scene has a jump cut. The shot jumps to show the woman looking in to a mirror. This helps the audience figure out if she's planning on going somewhere of high importance.

A jump cut demonstrates the different uses of locations. Notably other films using jump cut scenes include E.T. in the scene where the group of boys are escaping a mob. We see how the camera focuses on one boy (Elliot) and the camera jumps closer to his face. This action is then repeated.

Here we see the camera focusing on Elliot's face. He has a shocked expression on his face and this intrigues the audience makes them wonder what is about to happen in the next scene. This is clearly effective because it increases the action in the scene.

Use of the 180 Degree Rule:


In movies, the 180 Degree Rule is often used in a effective way to create a startling effect presenting how something striking my occur in a scene to cause a fright.  We see use of the 180 Degree Rule in the film; 'The Shining'.

Film makers often break the 180 Degree Rule.
The 180 Degree Rule was broken in this scene and this is evident because we see how the characters have swapped positions, as shown below.


















The 180 Degree Rule is broken again and is also used to create confusion for the audience and this is depicted in the film; 'The Hunger Games' where we see actress Jennifer Lawrence enter a room with the bed on the left side of the room.






The 180 Degree Rule is broken in this scene because now we see Jennifer standing on the left side of the room and the bed has now been moved onto the right side of the room.