Conventions & Techniques- Cross Cutting & Parallel Editing

Cross Cutting- Cross cutting refers to the technique when you edit cuts between different sets or a different part of the action. This technique is often used to build suspense.

Parallel Editing- This is when it allows two or more simultaneous sets of action to unfold withing a film sequence. This is used to create
- Tension
- Multiple points of view

Both types of techniques are used to show a relationship between two or more action sequences.
The difference is that with cross cutting you can show different time periods. Where as, with parallel editing two separate events happen simultaneously

Cross-Cutting

This extract is taken from Quantum of Solace and in this scene we see the protagonist James Bond about to interrogate a villain But while this is happening we see that the editor has added a cross cut of James Bonds Aston Martin chasing the villain down. This is effective because it allows for the story to be explained while not having to add to the film run-time.