Cross Cutting Film | Steps To Do Cross Cutting In Film
INTRODUCTION
Every single year, it appears as if the bar for movies and TV shows is raised a notch. Since methods for film editing are constantly changing, the action is more intense, the drama has become melodramatic, and the suspense is even paramount intense. Let’s just say that capturing and maintaining the viewer’s attention isn’t easy anymore.
But although all circumstances are distinct, leading editors possess a trustworthy storehouse of tried and tested strategies for enhancing the speed of the film and retaining the audience on the border of their seats. And most important among the varied techniques is cross cutting.
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WHAT IS CROSS CUTTING FILM?
Cross cutting is an essentially easy editing method that aids in presenting a strong melodramatic punch. In a nutshell, cross cutting is a video editing method that involves flipping here and there amidst scenes, providing the appearance that action is taking place in several places at the same time.
Though it appears to be an easy technique, it is a very challenging one that necessitates a strong grasp on pacing and timing.
STEPS TO UTILIZE IN CROSS CUTTING FILM
1. Acquire the required footage
It is always essential to get footage that you can cross cut to establish yourself up for victory. However, before you compel your shot catalog, think about the following components.
2. Belief system
What point of view is the camera representing? Is there a substantial variation amidst the scenes you desire to entangle? If that’s the case, how much detail does the audience require to go along with the action?
3. Framing
Before you initiate utilizing nearby shots and shifting from scene to scene, ensure that you possess an establishing shot for every scene so the audience can possess a sense of where they are.
KNOW MORE ON THE TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS FRAMING IN FILM
4. Lighting
Consider lighting the sceneries in various ways to help the audience appreciate the contrast and abstain from being confused.
5. Coverage
The footage that you’ll require to describe a full story is referred to as camera coverage. As a result, film the scenes from a variety of distinct viewpoints to give yourself more choices. Since getting choices would make editing the video much easier.
6. Mark colors on all the scenes of your timeframe
Utilize label colors to mark your scenes as you initiate post-production so that you can easily differentiate one from another, particularly if you’re cutting amidst five or six scenes.
7. Edit all the scenes individually
Before attempting to intertwine two distinct scenes, set the moments of the entire separate scene. Then think about how you’d break up the scene and where you’d enter and leave it. Also, mark the possible in and out points with highlighters.
8. Play around with the sound
Music and other sound effects help to bind the multiple scenes together. For example, in a music video, the song connects the plot and performance scenes which can also be seen in a film or commercial. Plus, much like lighting, you can utilize music or sound effects to help differentiate one scene from another.
For instance, the comparison would be evident if one part of a phone call happens in a busy crossroad and the other in a library.
9. Ensure that viewers don’t get perplexed
Confusion is not the same as suspense. For instance, if you’re filming a fight scene, don’t cut together several close shots too quickly that the audience can’t tell who’s doing what.
10. Transfer motion from one scenario to the next
Try binding the characters jointly by using the same action in both clips. If a character in the initial clip walks crosses the frame from left to right, cut to a character in the next clip doing the same, as viewers want to see continuity between clips. Plus, either you realize it or not, continuing the motion helps you to make the relation.
11. Get an evaluation
Sharing your work is one method to see if you’re misleading your viewers since it’s possible to become so engrossed in filmmaking, as in any artistic project, that you lose sight of the bigger picture. So, when you’re no longer confident in your verdict, show your cross cutting film to a friend and get their feedback.
Furthermore, you should pay attention to the movies, television shows, and other media you enjoy. Since there are no shortcuts to mastering the art of filmmaking thus, research what works and understand why it works.
CONCLUSION
The cross cutting film isn’t a brand-new phenomenon. Nonetheless, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a good editing tool. This method can be used in almost any genre and parts of all sizes and shapes, ranging from a comprehensive action film to a two-minute horror trailer. Plus, it’s extremely flexible, and it’s worth taking the time to learn.
Moreover, while it’s alluring for editors to always look for the latest function or the newest trick, there are occasions when you require relying on the tried-and-true tools. After all, the hammer has been here for quite a time and shows no signs of going anywhere.
