Editing Techniques

The video clip on the right is a clip from the film The Hobbit, An Unexpected Journey. In this clip we see the dwarves and Gandalf running through a goblin mine whilst being attacked. In this complex scene there are many different editing techniques used. I will explain a few of these editing techniques in the below paragraphs:

The scene is compiled with lots of different camera shots. This means that lots of different cuts were used in order to get the feeling that the whole scene was filmed in one take. By editing carefully, the cuts go unnoticed by those watching the film and this means they will have a more enjoyable time whilst watching the film. The many different angles involved in this scene provide many different angles from which the director can use cuts which gives a broader horizon of images and different views for the audience.

Also in the scene we have a lot of long takes and some short takes. The long takes are used to show the background and the environment in which the scene is set. It also enables the audience to see different actions that the characters are doing. We only really see any short takes when instructions are being given by one of the characters (mainly Gandalf). The reason for this is to show facial expressions and to give a sense of what moods the characters are in.

Finally, another editing technique used in this scene is the use of special effects and CGI. The majority if not all of the scenery in this clip is CGI and all the characters that arent dwarves or Gandalf are also CGI. This is because it would be highly difficult to film in such an extreme location and it would also be difficult to get the right image with all the cameras. This then ensures that the audience get a good screening and view of how the scene plans out.