Editing in horror/thriller films

Match on action - This is an editing technique for continuity editing in which one shot cuts to another shot portraying the action of the subject in the first shot.

Transitions - This is when a scene fades into a black screen. This is used to convey mystery which is a key aspect to include when making a horror film.

Splicing - Fast shots which are edited together which creates a sense of fear and tension.


Filters - These can be used to portray a particular mood. This mood is usually dark due to the films being a horror genre. 

Shot-reverse-shot - This is usually used when filming a conversation when one person talking is being filmed, and then it switches to the other person. Then returns back to the original person to film them talking or to capture their reactions and facial expressions.

Cuts - There are a variety of cuts that are used. These can be:

• Jump cuts - dramatic edits which happen when the camera suddenly jumps quickly to a dramatic point in the film to create tension within the audience.
• Cross cut - the camera will cut away from one action to another action. It is often used in films to establish action occurring at the same time in two different locations.
• Cutaway shot - the interruption of a continuously filmed action by inserting a view of something else.

Continuity edits -  Scenes which have been shown out of sequence however the narrative can still come across to the viewer and they do not seem out of sequence

Fast/slow pace shots - The certain speed can trigger fear amongst viewers. More fear tends to be due to fast pace shots whereas slow shots can be used to show the victims life flashing before their eyes.