Planning editing styles

Editing is a post-production process of video making that combines separate footage into a continuous sequence. This is a fundamental process that achieves continuity. Continuity editing is simply a style of editing that prevents inherent discontinuity of shots and establishes a logical coherence between shots to make one sequence. The editing guides the telling and pace of the narrative. It can be used to create illusions through the use of varied paced editing styles as well as to emphasise certain elements that may not have been necessarily noted. It is a vital process when producing any media products such as a music video as it allows the audience to develop their understanding of the narrative, performance and concept elements within the music video. There are various editing styles that can be used to enhance the visuals which in turn provides the audience with an effective viewing experience. As well as simplistic editing techniques, tints can be employed to modify the shots filmed in order to connote certain meanings.

An editing style that will be implemented within the music video is slow paced editing. This editing technique refers to one shot being followed by another shot after a few seconds as opposed to sudden and abrupt movement of frames. This allows the shots to be continuous which is typically employed to allow the audience to follow a narrative with ease. Slow paced editing will be used within the performance and narrative element within the video. It will place emphasis on the artist and his talent that presents his ‘extra-ordinary’ side, therefore conforming to Richard Dyer’s paradox. It will also display parts of the narrative in which flashbacks of the male artist and his love interest will be displayed. This will illustrate the stability of the relationship therefore connoting a positive experience.

A contrast will be created between flashbacks of the past and the present through the use of fast paced editing.This style of editing will create a more abrupt sequence of frames that will convey the instability of the relationship. It will present the chaotic aspect of the relationship therefore allowing the audience to gain awareness of the artist's emotions, helping them to form a relationship with the artist. Fast paced editing will be achieved through the use of jump and straight cuts which means shots will cut quickly. This will be employed within the argument scenes in which the male and female aren't in a stable position.

The editing styles chosen to be employed within the music video follow genre conventions. Varied paced editing allows the audience to focus on the performance as well as narrative whilst viewing a visually effective media production.

The editing styles help the audience to form a relationship with the artist as they are able to depict underlying meanings such as the instability of the relationship therefore providing the audience with a more in depth understanding of the narrative. Through understanding the narrative, the audience is also aware of the emotions felt by the artist and may potentially relate which is a fundamental element of forming a relationship. This also evokes a sense of realism which in turn makes the lyrics of the song come to life.