Editing Techniques

Cut
A visual transition created in editing in which one shot is immediately replaced on screen by another.

Continuity editing
Editing that creates action that flows smoothly across shots and scenes without seeing any obvious clip joining. Establishes a sense of story for the viewer.

Cross cutting
Cutting quickly between two or more lines of action, indicating they are happening at the same time.

Dissolve
A gradual scene transition.  A scene overlaps the end of one shot with the beginning of the next one.

Establishing shot
A shot, normally taken from a great distance or from a high view, it sets the scene. 

Eyeline match
The matching of eyelines between two or more characters. E.g. Sam looks to the right in shot A, Pete will look to the left in shot B. Shows continuity. 

Fade
A transition between shots or scenes that appears on screen as a brief interval with no picture. Used to show a change of scene.

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

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

Montage 
Quick brief clips put together, shows quick pace, used to emphasise fear or action. 

Shot reverse shot cutting
Usually used for conversation scenes, this technique alternates between over-the-shoulder shots showing each character speaking.