Editing rhythm

Editing the rhythm of the shots within the scene is a good way to make sure the audience receives the correct emotional response. The audience will mainly know what is happening within the scene but editing the rhythm guides the viewers for them.

Pacing refers to varying the length of shots. Pacing is important because this will help guide viewers in their emotional response to a scene. For example, rapid pace suggests excitement and intensity whereas slower pacing is more relaxed and thoughtful.

When the editor is establishing the rhythm of a scene, they need to consider key questions based on their understanding of the sequence as a whole such as:

• Where in the sequence would a particular shot have the most impact? 
• should a medium shot or a close-up shot be used?
• which shots contain the better visuals to provide exposition or characterization?
• what is the most effective use of timing in the juxtapositions within shots? 

In this scene the shots are fast paced. The editor sticks with a shot for no more than three seconds. The audience is consuming information from the scene very quickly so they and engaged into the scene. It is often long, slow shots are the type to make the audience feel bored. Fast pace shots keep the audience engaged and intrigued for what happens next.

Providing and withholding information

Providing and withholding information is a strategy used by the editor to keep the viewer engaged. It is used mainly in horror and thriller films to produce good effect. It is crucial for the audience to know what they are suppose to know in the moment of action because it is important for them to feel the correct emotional response.

Normally, information is provided by the use of cutaways or cut-ins or used by the absence of the these shots.

An example of providing and withholding information would be when the scene is in the POV of the character. The characters POV is showing what is in front of them. The scene shows the long corridor that the character is anxiously walking down. The audience will start to expect something to jump out and attack the character. Due to the audience thinking this, huge amounts of tension can be built up through wondering what is down the corridor.





In the scene the audience is feeling huge amounts of tension due to the wonder of the characters safety. This is effected because the editor is withholding the information that the audience craves through lighting. The audiences vision is blinded so huge amounts of tension is created by not knowing what is going to happen.

Shot variation

Shot variation is used in film to make a sequence of images using movement. Examples of these shots would be wide shot, long shots and medium shots.

A wide shot is used at the start of the scene to set the atmosphere, location and environment to let the audience understand the concept of the scene. Long shots are used to enable the audience to focus on a character. A medium shot is used in scenes that contain dialogue or scenes that contain action to let the audience follow the narrative.



An example of these shots being used in film would be a scene from