Video Entry #13 - Editing Reading Notes

Editing

- "Editing is where you take all the different pictures that have been filmed on the cameras, which is called footage and join them all together on an edit suite. Editor’s chop up the footage that they want to keep into smaller pieces, called shots and put them back together again in a different order using cuts. They also use fades to make cuts look nice and smooth, which makes the film look better."

- "Editing

• Spot all the material and make a logging list, on which you not only identify the takes that are not usable, but also identify the best takes.

• Write down the length of the shots. Try to identify the natural life span of the shot: the moment it becomes interesting until the moment you lose interest.

• Identify continuity problems and possible solutions.

• Make a paper edit and make notes as preparation for the commentary.

• Write down the duration of the film."

We will have to follow similar guidelines when editing and use the techniques outlined. 

Sixteen Basic Editing Considerations

- "Avoid having to cut between shots on the same camera angle especially if the shot is of a single person. You will have to match the action so perfectly that your alternatives will be severely limited. However, if the material is shot to take advantage of this 'shock' effect, it can heighten a dramatic moment"

- "Watch the pace of the action which has to be matched in cutting. Movement from the finger flicking ash into an ashtray to Indians attacking a wagon train must retain continuity of pace if scope in cutting is to be preserved."

- Don't use a shot for its own sake. Some shot may, within themselves, be superb, but may not for reasons of style, shape or just original intention, fit into the overall films.

- "Remember you can only cut the material you possess. If you are cutting your own film the editor in you must control the director you thought you might be -- if you haven't shot the right footage you can't make the film you originally intended."

- "Do treat your print and track with respect. Both are replaceable but only if you can afford it and are in a position to start again with the inevitable loss of impetus and enthusiasm. The machinery has its limitations but will serve you well if you use it properly. Remember, a badly scratched or damaged cutting copy reduces your ability to judge its quality."

If we do choose to cut different shots, we will have to bear this in mind, so it does not take the audience out of the documentary and we do not want to create a dramatic movement. Although our action should be slow paced, it may be with the cutaways that we will have match the speed. Again, not to take the viewer out of the documentary. We will then have to find appropriate cutaways for each scene. I will treat my print and track with the utmost respect.