Theories 1: Bordwell and Thompson

Bordwell and Thompson's main focus is the technique of continuity editing. They identified four different relations between how shots can link together in editing: Spatial, Temporal, Graphic, and also Rhythmic.

Spatial:
This type of editing concentrates on the setting and positioning of everything in the shot; this editing creates a sense of space. Spatial editing produces continuity editing by using an extreme long shot for an establishing shot, which is then followed by smaller range shots, such as mid-shots and close-ups. An example of this in a music video can be seen below in the video for 'Turn Around' - Conor Maynard:

Temporal:
This type of editing concerns type of action, and it contributes to the plots story time: order, duration, and frequency. The order of shots shown in a music video can be manipulated by the use of flashbacks and flashforwards, which are included to increase knowledge of the story, as well as prompting questions. An example of temporal editing with the use of flashbacks is seen in 'The One That Got Away' - Katy Perry, three of the incorporated flashbacks can be seen below:


Temporal editing also uses ellipsis - which cuts out the action of the video we do not need to see, as it is not important to the plot of the video. An example of this is seen in 'You Bring Me Joy' - Amelia Lily; one shot is the females in a car, then the next is of them at the beach - their journey there has been cut out as it is not significant to the story:

As well as this, temporal editing also uses empty frames: where the figure of interest walks out of the frame, then cuts to an empty frame with the same figure walking into the shot. The frequency of events in continuity editing are often only shown once, and any repetition of shots are used to build tension, expectation, and anticipation. An empty frame is seen in 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' - Taylor Swift:


Graphic:
This type of editing makes the video visual, so the transitions between shots are linked graphically; they are linked by similarity - whether it be by their shape, colour etc. Consequently, this creates smooth continuity editing. As well as a graphic match, graphic continuity: where the figure of interest is contrast throughout cuts, maintaining lighting level, and avoiding colour clashes, and graphic discontinuity: where colour and footage, or shape of focus figures contrast. Examples of this can be seen in 'Hall of Fame' - The Script:

Rhythmic:
This type of editing is when the cut to a different shot occurs in time with the beat of the music. It concentrates on the duration of shots; the length of each one is in relation to the beat and tempo. As a result, short shots will accelerate the tempo, while longer shots generate time for audience reflection. Cuts to the beat of the music can be seen in the chorus of 'Anything Could Happen' - Ellie Goulding: