Final answer:
Continuity editing is the system that uses transitions to establish realism and efficiently tell a story in films. This editing style ensures the logical flow of sequences and helps maintain the illusion of reality throughout a film's narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The editing system that uses cuts or other transitions to establish a sense of verisimilitude (realism) and to most efficiently tell a story is known as continuity editing. This system ensures that the visual flow and the sequence of events appear logical and realistic to the viewers. Transitions, such as cuts, fades, and dissolves, are used to enhance storytelling by connecting scenes in a way that is either seamless to maintain the illusion of reality or intentionally noticeable to serve a narrative purpose. The role of continuity editing extends to establishing appropriate pacing, creating spatial and temporal coherence, and ensuring that the actions and emotions of characters are grounded and believable.
During post-production, the director meticulously selects shots that align with their vision for the film, crafting a seamless narrative. The process may also involve non-linear techniques, such as flashbacks or vignettes, to add depth to the storytelling. This can be a challenge as the shooting order might not be chronological, but continuity editing helps maintain a coherent story regardless of the filming sequence.