engaging the viewer

The process of editing begins in the post-production stage, in which a film or a television piece  is editing to create the final outcome. This is transformed into a piece suitable for its target audience; the role of an editor can be seen as one of the most important roles when creating either a film or television piece due to the fact they are the key collaborator with the director.  

When creating a film or television piece the role of the editor is primarily to edit the footage they have received and cut together appropriate footage to enable the audience to clearly understand the narrative. The editor must always include a beginning a middle and an end so that the audience are able to fully understand the film. 

Another way the editor is able to engage the audience at all times is by the pace of the shots they have decided to use. For example editing can be used to create tension by using slowly paced shots that gradually build up speed; and in comparison fast paced shots are commonly found in action Movies in where there is a scene involving a car chase or a fight scene. This editing technique is used alongside sound effects that compliment the scene as music can effect and also influence the way the audience view a particular scene. 

Each genre of a film has a different technique and style that are used to illustrate the genre of the film or television programme; 

The genre of horror commonly combines both slow and fast cuts to build up and release tension. Slow paced shots are used to distress the audience but also to convince them into carry on watching. Low angled shots are used to create fear as this shows to the audience the characters fear and intimidation. This type of editing that creates anxiety within the viewers is closely matched by the choice of sound used alongside the scene. An example of a horror film that uses a combination of slow and fast paced shots to help build up tension in the scene can be seen in the trailer for the 2009 Warner Brothers film The Orphan. 

 Romantic Comedies is a genre that also uses sound to persuade the audience into feeling and expressing certain emotions. Slow paced shots and cuts are used to enable the audience to fully understand the emotions of certain characters as romantic comedies are primarily based upon two main characters. The editor is responsible for controlling the actor and actresses performance as they are able to choose the most realistic and believable shots taken.An example of this can be seen in the 2009 film Trailer Dear John.

 

 The genre that uses fast paced cuts to keep the audience engaged in the film or television programme is the genre Action. This is because the narrative of the film is based around continuous action so the shots have to match the performance to enable the interest of the audience. The 1999 film fight club is an example of a film that used fast paced cuts to allow the camera to follow all the action.