Grammar of the Edit by Roy Thompson

When browsing in the library for some extra reading I came across a book called Grammar of the Edit by Roy Thompson. It's a fairly thin book but it's full of accessible and helpful knowledge about the fundamentals of editing. I found this book extremely beneficial as I'm still quite a novice when it comes to editing. This book sets down the essential terminology and processes necessitous to editing. 

A particular part of the book I found interesting is the section titled "The Six Elements of the Edit". This lists and explains the six aspects of editing that Thompson considers most important which are: motivation, information, shot composition, sound, camera angle and continuity. Within these aspects are standards and rules to be obeyed to ensure for flowing and understandable editing.

Motivation: This explains how there always needs to be a reason to cut, mix or fade shots. Thompson remarks that this "motivation" could be an action (no matter how small) or any sound (such as a telephone or a voice off screen). An illustration is used to show that even the smallest of smiles or facial movements can be enough motivation to cut, mix or fade. 

Information: Here Thompson comments that with each new shot should come new "visual information". For example, a medium shot of a man speaking should not be followed by a long shot of the same man from the same angle. This is because no new visual information is provided. For this to work, a shot of something completely different needs to be placed in between these shots. For example, a shot of a different person reacting to the man. Thompson also states that "It is the editors job to get as much visual information into the programme as he or she can, without patronising the audience."

Shot Composition: Thompson explains that even though creating good shot composition isn't the responsibility of the editor, it is the responsibility of the editor to select the best shot compositions provided to include in the edit.

Sound: It is described here how "sound is not only more immediate than visuals but also more abstract." and "you don't have to see what you hear". Sound can prepare audience for events to come within the film, it can heighten tension and create the right atmospheres, emotions and moods to match the visuals on screen. Thompson makes clear the importance of good sound within an edit and states that "lack of the appropriate sound can devalue an edit."

Camera Angles: Thompson explains here that the director will shoot the same sequence but from varying angles and that it's the editors decision which angles go in the final edit. A principle is described here that "each time you cut or mix from one shot to another, the camera should be on a different angle from the previous shot." Also that "the difference between the axis should never be greater than 180 degrees and usually less than 45 degrees when shooting the same subject." This makes for a smoother edit and the audience don't feel like they're being thrown around too much. It's easier on the eye. 

Continuity: Possibly one of the most importance aspects of editing to be aware of is continuity. Without continuity the edit will be a mismatch of unrelated and badly flowing shots.  This is broken down into four subcategories. Continuity of content, continuity of movement, continuity of position and continuity of sound.