FXPHD: EDT201 - The Craft of Editing

Class 1- The basics of Editing We discuss what is entailed in being a commercial post-production editor. A breakdown of the various aspects of the job are detailed, and we talk about some of the problems an editor encounters being in the chair. The second part of the class presents basic film editing theories, and provides filmic examples of the main styles of editing: continuity and emphatic.

Class 2- We discuss how to go about creating your first cut. Tips are given on how to synthesize footage into manageable selects, and how to structure your cut depending on the type of project. Liz discusses a past editorial project, and traces its evolution from receiving the footage to the approval of its rough cut stage.

Class 3- Class 3 centers on deconstructing continuity and emphatic editing in practice. Examples are shown from various commercials, and the motivation behind the editorial process is described. Theories described in Class 1 are demonstrated: cutting on action, jump cuts, temporal discontinuity, the 180 rule, and various others. Project 1, an exercise is cutting dialogue, is handed out.

Class 4- Cutting dialogue scenes An example scene is created from dailies, with technique emphasis on continuity and pacing. Tips are given for keeping complicated sequences in sync, as well as how to change out a take in the middle of a scene while retaining the flow of the narrative. A dialogue edit that focuses on compositing is dissected at the end of the lesson.

Class 5- The role of audio in the editorial cut. Sound design is created for a spot, detailing music editing, sound effects placement, and dialogue finessing. Mix levels are discussed, as well as utilizing time compression. Dialogue replacement is examined in a scene from an independent feature.

Class 6- So now you're an editor. The class will focus on critiques of Project #1. We will also visit with Jerem Sloan, an editor in his first year of cutting, to talk about his experiences transitioning to the first chair. Project #2 will be assigned (deadline: end of week #9).

Class 7- The professor details her cut on assignment 1, explaining her thought process and workflow. Tips and tricks for adding finesse to your edit are also discussed, including flash frames, blurs and an iris effect.

Class 8- Condensing a story We investigate condensing a story line and taking the air out of an edit. A :30 lift is cutdown from a :60 commercial, while paying attention to pacing and sync. In addition, emphatic editing techniques are discussed, such as jump cuts, color correction, speed changes, effect work, and repeat action.

Class 9- The process of finishing a project is dissected. Interviews with a colorist, sound designer/mixer, and smoke artist are conducted. The particular challenges of the ELCA spots are discussed, as well as general information about the workflow in each room.

Class 10- Wrap-Up Critiques are given on Assignment 2, focusing on pacing, music choices, voiceover timing, and shot selection. Tips for getting into the post-production industry are given at the end of the class.

No MIRRORs below!