Editing Process

The Editor

At the end of shooting, the director is left with hours of film or tape. Most of it will never make it into the film.
But among all the re-takes, experimental shots and interview answers that went nowhere are the valuable nuggets that will find their way into the final film. The editor sorts through the raw material of the shoot and arranges it in a way that realizes the director’s original vision of the film. Sometimes, this process unveils new truths and takes the film in a different direction. Some people say that the editor is at heart a storyteller – almost like another writer on the film.

Sometimes directors also edit films. But it is often useful to have someone else take on this role.
One reason is that the director is so immersed in the creation of the material that he or she does not have an objective view of the pieces any longer. Whoever edits the footage needs to be able to look clearly at what has been shot – not at what the director intended to shoot. All that remains of the director’s original intention is what is actually on the film or tape. A skilled editor brings a fresh eye to the footage.
An objective editor is sympathetic to the needs of the film but does not have all of the “baggage” that the director may bring.
Editing also requires a special set of skills. Film editing is an art in itself. Given the same footage, different editors could assemble it into completely different stories – or stories that each have a very different emphasis or point of view.

Overview of the Editing Process
There are several basic editing concepts that everyone should know before piecing their work together.
Today, almost all editing is non-linear. What this means is that shots will be taken at different times will all be loaded onto a computer hard drive. Once the clips are on the computer, they can then be reorganized.

The following are the basic steps in the editing process:

  1. Screen the rushes (or raw material), log shots and make notes on the quality of the shots and where they can possibly be used. Although this can be time consuming, it is important as an editor to have a thorough idea of all of the footage that has been accumulated.
  2. Cut down scenes. Review the footage, decide what you would like and cut the scenes down to size, leaving at least 4 seconds on the head and tail of the clip to allow for transitions.
  3. Determine the order of the clips.
  4. Screen all of the clips in sequence, and make note of the pacing of the rough cut and where it needs to be re-cut or reorganized.
  5. Make necessary changes to the rough cut.
  6. Screen all clips in sequence. Make final changes.
  7. Once the picture is locked and you are sure that it looks the best that it can, it’s time to add transitions.
  8. Add transitions (sparingly, where they will help to communicate the message only).
  9. Add titles and credits. Be sure to approve all text and make sure there are NO spelling mistakes.
  10. Extract sound. The soundtrack is exported as a separate track so that the sound editor and sound mixer can work with it.
  11. Add sound effects and music (make sure they are not copyright protected, or that you have acquired the proper licence to use them).
  12. Screen.
  13. Final cut.
  14. Output.

Editing Techniques:
http://player.vimeo.com/video/14579570?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0