Film and Video Editing Techniques - Unit 16, Task 1, Task 2, & Task 3

Unit 16 Task 1 - Introduction to Editing


On this page, I will discuss about the Introduction to Editing using Avid Media Composer.  Editing is a way for people in post-production to become creative, imaginative, and create a story that flows through the viewer.

Developments in Editing


In-Camera Editing

In-camera editing is a technique where, instead of editing the shots in a film into a sequence after shooting, the cinematographer instead shoots the sequences in strict order so the resulting 'edit' is therefore already complete when the film is developed.

The process takes longer in the planning as the shots must be shot in the correct order.  It makes the pre-production longer but the production is tied in with the post-production in that once the filming is completed, the final production is complete.


Following the Action

The earliest films in the cinema were produced by using one shot without the editing process as the equipment and knowledge was still unknown.  But as the film making techniques evolved the editing stage was introduced as it became an essential process in completing a film.  Only by editing footage together could the narrative of the films be achieved.

The film Life of an American Fireman in 1903 shows the events of a fireman rescuing a woman from a burning building.  The film is first viewed by the audience from inside the building and then a shot shown from outside the building which repeats the action in the narrative.  This editing technique of using different points of view of the action demonstrated its own laws of time and space on narrative.

Multiple Points of View

When filming, to make the shots more interesting to the viewer, it is possible to film in different points of view, such as 3rd person, 1st person and general filming the scene. 

In this Russian short film, the production is filmed in 1st person view to give that feeling that the viewer is the main character. 

Shot variation

Shot variations are important in production as it varies the final production so it isn't boring or uninteresting to the viewer.  By using many different variations, it creates a different feeling for the character and helps the audience to know how they should feel about a scene.  For example, during a fight scene, the shots used will most likely be close up, fast paced fights to show on how intense the scene is for the characters on screen. 

During fight scenes, they will often 'remind' the audience on who is fighting as prolonged fight scenes become so intense that the focus is on the fight and not the characters.  The video below is from The Matrix.  The fight scene uses a balance of varied shots to create an intense situation between the 2 characters.  The end result is a great fight scene that keeps the audience watching, so they are not distracted by the background, unless there was a shot that focused specifically on the background.

Manipulation of diegetic time and space

Manipulation of diegetic time and space is when an edit is made to make a person, environment or object is changing over a period of time, they could ne getting older or younger. This is used is many different films, it allows the audience to see a time changed visibly.  An  example of this would be The Time Turner scene form Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Film/video

Film editing is a process that takes time and precision to create the perfect edit.  A perfect edit is when the audience do not realise the change in edit as it flows smoothly, and isn't obvious.  An example of this is a scene when characters on screen are talking.  The audio runs throughout smoothly so the visuals must also run smoothly. 

A documentary explains in further detail on the purpose of editing a film before the final production is complete.

Analogue & Digital Editing

Analogue and digital technology are variations of the way around editing and recording.  For example, when recording sound, using an analogue recorder will give a different sound and sound waves than to a digital recorder.  This is because of the technology used inside them. 


Key Conventions of Editing

Continuity

For a scene or a film to flow correctly and smoothly, it must contain a certain amount of continuity.  Continuity is the process of 2 separate clips put together, but keeping the same amount of Alphas and Betas as in the clip before.  For example, using a past hypothetical example, during a fight scene, if 1 character was to get punched in the face, creating a blood flow on his face, but then during the next clip, the blood was gone, then that scene would break the flow of continuity making the scene less believable.  Continuity happens throughout a film and must be keep to make the storyline feel more believable to the audience.  For example, if in a film, a child was 7 years old and states so, then the next scene might be "10 years later", then said child would be 17 years old, so they would need a character that looks like an older version, so the continuity there would be eye colour, hair colour, independent features, and the change in continuity to make it believable could be hair length, external features such as dirt marks, change in clothing and also a change in knowledge and technology as this would make the audience believe the story more as there is a certain flow of continuity.

Continuity doesn't have to also be on a character, but it can be on anything such as location, time, change in atmosphere and change in story.  Here is an example of continuity fails in Star Wars.

Montage

Montaging clips together to create a different flow of editing can be used to create a different effect for the audience on the mood of the editor or film creator.  In 1925, Russian film director Sergei Eisenstein created a silent film called "Stachka" or "Strike".  His method of making this film involved him using clips to create a montage.  During his montage, he managed to tell a story, keep continuity, and managed to keep his audience still interested in the film.  However, the film wasn't made for entertainment, but as a method of propaganda after the First World War and before the 2nd World War.

Jump-cutting

Jump-cutting is an odd method of editing, as it makes the edit obvious and abrupt.  However, jump-cutting is not as popular now as it was 50 years ago, as the change in edit is too strange looking to make a film believable. 

An example of jump-cutting is in a French film, "Breathless" in 1960.  A scene shows a man getting a gun out of the glove compartment, and then the jump-cut is oblivious in how he handles it.  Throughout the whole scene, there are noticeable jump-cut edits.

Parallel editing & Crosscutting

Parallel editing & crosscutting are similar in that they both represent 1 scene which features 2 different locations.  The 2 locations can relate or be unrelated pending on the scene itself.

An example of parallel editing is from the final act of the film "Silence of the Lambs".  This 1991 thriller shows how the audience can be lead on thinking of something that isn't what it really is.  In this scene, it shows 2 locations, 1 being where the FBI is, and the other, where the main character and the killer is.  The way it is edited together leads on the viewer into believing that the locations match, but they do not. 

180 degree Rule

The 180 degree rule is used mainly for when there are 2 characters on screen talking to each other.  The idea of the rule is to keep continuity of which side of the room or location they are both on. 

Transitions

Transitions are a good way to create a smooth edit, however, if used too much of the same type, it can look ridiculous.  The most common transition is just the simple cut or fade.  It shows a change in time and also the end of a clip or a scene.  Another type of transition is the dissolve to show a change in time.  In Star Wars Episode III, a type of transition was used where it made the two clips look silly.  It did the transition as if it were a comic book.  The transition used was the create the effect of a time change for the character on screen.  At 1:35, on the video below, it shows the transition as a swipe down.

Editing Rhythm

Editing rhythm is what editors use to keep pace of the film up to match the action that is going on in the film.  Slow cut edits have a calming, bordering feel to the edit, whereas fast cut edits have a lively, aggressive feel to the edit.  An example of this is in the 2002 film Hero during a battle scene of arrows.

Cutting to soundtrack

Cutting an edit to the beat of the soundtrack is very popular as it works smoothly.   During Rocky IV, the training montage is all edited to the beat of the soundtrack.  It creates a mood that flows and makes the montage smooth and works better in general. 

Editing for a Purpose


Story-telling

During the editing process, it is important to create the flow of story-telling to keep the audience interested in the film.  A good storyline will always be heard off and not forgotten and in every storyboard, it is important to tell the story well enough.  However, the story shouldn't be just told well, it must also be fit for purpose on a few factors such as target audience, and the audience emotions.  For example, during a film about F1 racing, there shouldn't be any gun fights, as it doesn't fit the purpose of a car film.  The audience want to watch a film about cars and not be side tracked by other variables that do not relate to the racers or the cars themselves.

A good story-teller should be able to create different scenarios that the audience can figure out and relate to on themselves or the story itself.  A good story scenario are the Rocky films as they focus on 1 sport, boxing.  However, during the films, it also tells side stories such as Rocky's personal life, his family, his sport and they way he lives his life.  This adds the feeling of realism and makes the story more believable because it was told well.


Creating Motivation

To create a motivated film, the edit must be motivated.  This is done by making the continuity of the project look smooth, checking that one shot to another doesn't jerk and that the position is in the same place for a perfect edit.

If there are jerky shots, then the audience will notice and can get frustrated by this and not want to watch it.  When the editor gains experience from making smooth transitions from one shot to another, the editor will be able to make a continuous flow of the shots.

A conversation is a good example of creating motivation.  Instead of keeping one shot and seeing the back of the head of one person involved, it is possible to cut and use the 180 degree rule to keep the shots cutting to the person speaking and keeping the audience interested.


Combining Shots into Sequence

Combining shots into sequences is the process of putting together all shots and making them flow.  Once all of the shots have been individually edited, they can then be placed together into a sequence.  A successful edit means that the sequence will look good, as the edit needs to look invisible and so the audience cannot tell there has been an edit during 1 scene, so it gives the illusion of the whole scene being 1 clip.


Creating Pace

Creating a pace during editing is used for when the scene needs to be either speed up or slowed down, depending on either the mood of the characters, the mood of the audience or the way the story is being told.  For example, there are many scenes during war films where, to show its intensity, the shots have been slowed down to create a feeling of motionless during an intense scene. 

 

During car chase scenes, the shots are usually sped up, to again show intensity, but as a different form.  A car chase scene doesn't need to be understood as to what is going on.  All the audience needs to know is who is chasing who and why.  During the film The Bourne Identity, the chase scene shows the runners - Matt Damon - and the chasers - the police -. 

Unit 16 Task 2 - Be able to prepare moving image material for editing:


During this part, I will discuss and describe on preparation techniques and the preparation to edit rushes that have been filmed.


Preparation techniques


Marking the script during the shoot

Marking the script is useful for the editor during post-production as when the editor is looking at the script, he knows what rushes and clips relate to the script and edit. 

Slating and log the shots during the shooting process and checking for faults &
Logging of rushes with comments about faults of the material

Logging the shots during the filming process is a good way to go back and read to know on what shots are useful and what's not.  For example, during filming, a script marker would keep a mini diary on the shots filmed and write down good and bad traits to see what will be useful during post-production/editing. 



Synchronise rushes

Synchronising rushes is important during the editing sequence as it can make the finished product either look professional or amateurish.  For example, during a scene with 2 characters talking, if the audio isn't synchronised with the lips moving, then the production looks terrible, therefore it is important to synchronise the shots according to the scene.  During a voice over, it isn't necessary, unless during the voice over, it comes to the person talking, in which case, synchronising is a must.

In some films in another language, usually, there may be a dubbed version in which the foreign actors and actresses have a different voice but use the same words.  Often, this looks terrible, but as it costs too much money to just create a new production but in another language, it is the only option.  Here is an example of bad lip syncing from an American film but with French dubbing:

Labelling the material & storing the material

Labelling the material/rushes makes the editing easier and quicker as everything is already labelled to the sequence.

When uploading the raw footage from the disk to a computer, the computer puts it automatically to the time and date of when produced, so it can make the editors job a little harder when trying to find the correct footage that they want. 

When uploaded to a computer, the footage can look like this:

When everything has been labelled to the correct Slate and Take number, it will look like this:

Storing the material is extremely important because if the material is lost, it may not be possible to find the material again, so a new production will need to be started, losing a lot of money, time and effort.



Producing an edit decision list (EDL)

Producing an edit decision list is useful as it speeds up the editing process because all the clips have already been gone through and picked out which clips will be used in the production.

Here is an example of an Edit Decision List (EDL):

Creating bins

Creating bins is also important and useful to speed up the editing process for future references.  Creating bins and separating rushes and audio into categories makes it easier as looking at a quick glance on the name of the bin is quicker than going through each clip to find the right one.

Here is an example of creating bins.  Notice the names of the bins and how they relate to the contents of the bin:

Clarifying the purpose of the work with a client or director

The point of an editor's job is to make sure that their client is happy, as they are the people that are paying the editor.  They will not recommend you to anyone else if they are not satisfied with the work the editor produces because the editor did it their own way, not the way the client told him.  Sometimes, there will not be a direct client, but there will be a brief, in which case, the editor must stick to the brief given. 

With a client, they will want to keep in close, constant contact, as they will be making sure that the editor is doing the job correctly, and to make sure that their project is how they want it.  Keeping the client happy is important as they are the source of the material that is being edited.  An editors job is to meet and excel the clients expectations.




Preparing to Edit


Importing clips

Importing clips is one of the first thing an editor does as importing the clips provides the editor the clips to edit with. 

Located in the "File" section on the toolbar, there is an option that says "Import".  Make sure that you have the correct bin selected as the imported clips will go directly into the bin that has been highlighted.

Create bins

Creating bins is easy and useful as it is essentially another folder that can be accessed quickly.  To create a bin, you must first locate the main bin that holds the whole production in one.  At the top of the main bin, there is an option that says "New Bin".  This will create a new bin ready for the importation of clips, pictures and audio.

Timelines

The timeline is the main part during the editing process as it holds all of the production in real time and form.  The timeline will have a start, middle and finish, depending on how far into the production the editor is. 

Storage and folder management

Same as creating bins, creating folders and sectioning different areas of audio, clips and pictures is useful and helps speed up the editing and moving around of the production. 

Online and offline editing

Online and offline editing are two different parts and forms to the editing sequence in so far as how the editor wants the final footage to be.  For example, during productions, the editor will start off with the offline edit, meaning that he will put and edit all the raw clips together to create a "draft" copy.  Once finished the offline editing, he will then import the production usually into another software to start the online editing which is usually the resolution of the production.  The online edit is about special effects, colouration, and the tidying up of the rough cut (offline) edit to make the final production presentable to the editor's client.

This video below explains in detail about the difference between offline and online editing.  It shows how an editor can play around with the colour corrections during the online edit.  The video starts to explain the colour correction at 3:40.

Formats & Resolution

The difference between formatting and resolutions is the content in how it is watched.  There are different formats that can be used to store films such as full High Definition (HD), to Blue Ray, DVD, and VHS and many more.  During the consistent update of technology in the 21th Century, the formats only get better.

Resolution fits in within the format of how the content is being watched.  For instance, HD resolution is in either 720p, 1080p or 1080i, however, they are problems that can arise if the resolution is too high for the quality of the footage or the formatting.  For instance, not everyone has the equipment that is capable of showing HD television and so most televisions and computers are only standard 720p resolution, and so this is the lowest that can be played on so not everyone can view the content.  If the resolution was too high in a film, and most people cant watch it due to the resolution being too high for their television or device, then the company will lose business and publicity because no one can watch their productions.



Assessment Evidence


Edited Film

This is my factual documentary programme that I made for a Media Film & TV course in 2014. 

 




Script marked for Editing

Post-production Report

Unit 16 Task 3 - Be able to edit moving image material


During this part of this page, I will discuss about the editing technologies and the editing processes in Avid Media Composer.


Editing Technologies


Use software application to edit (Avid Media Composer)


For all 3 tasks that have been needed to complete for me to get this far in the course, I have used Avid Media Composer.  The 1st task I did was the music video back in October 2013.  it was my first experience of editing a production that I have filmed.  I quickly adapted to it, meaning I finished before most people in the class. 

The final production of the advert is up on YouTube with the video below:

The 2nd task I did was the factual documentary, in which I did the pre-production, production and editing all on my own.  Due to myself knowing the location, people and topic, I found that filming was easy and fun.  The video has the topic of The Airsoft Community.  The video is below:

For my 3rd and most recent task, I made a music video.  I completed the editing process on the 20th June 2014.  I filmed it with 2 other friends, and made the final production abstract.  The video is posted below:

Use hardware (computers, hard disk, flash memory)

Throughout all 3 of my productions, I have used a range of different hardware technology.  I recently bought a TB machine which I have found extremely useful for storing all my raw clips, editing processes, production paperwork and final production pieces.  For all the small assignments, I have used a USB stick so then, when finished, I move to the TB machine to keep everything together, and placed into an area where I can quickly access them.  The computers I have been using are DELL OptiPlex 3010. They run fast enough so I can import all my footage quickly and get started with the editing process. 


Non-linear editing technologies (trip point, trimming, slipping, sliding)

The difference in linear and non-linear editing technologies, is how the technology has changed over 30 years.  Linear editing is with the original bins, film footage, film reels and the process.  Non-linear editing is all digital.  In the 1990's, non-linear editing was introduced and the process was so much more simpler and easier to edit with as it was all laid out for the editor to start. 


Use different video definition

The use of using different video definition depends on many factors, such as the resolution of the filming equipment, the processors on the editing computer and the editing software and also the device used to view the content/final production. 


Export your video products using appropriate file types and compression

When exporting a finished production, it is important to export it to the right file settings and how you would like it to be played, whether burning it to a disk, extracting it to a file type, or a windows viewing type.  When exporting, there will be a list of different file types and compressions that the editor can pick.

Editing Process


Use appropriate editing techniques

The use of using appropriate editing techniques depends on how the client wants the production to be.  Usually, the cuts will be on cue and in time with audio or action.  It is the editors job to make sure that he is sticking with what the client wants in how the production should be cut. 

Please refer to previous sections in this post such as:

• Continuity
• Montage
• Motivation
• Parallel Editing
• Jump-Cutting

Use appropriate transitions

Again, same as the use of appropriate editing techniques, the editor must make sure that he is sticking with the brief in how the cuts are transitioned onto the next clip.


Use appropriate conventions

Codes and conventions must be kept throughout the production as it gives off the impression of the editor as well as the creator/client.  If conventions are not kept, or used appropriately, the production will not turn out the way the client will want it. 


Use sound to create impact

Sound is important in a production as sound is the main sense a person feels when watching a production.  The visuals should accompany the audio and not the other way round.  Sound, whether on screen or off screen can be used to create heavy or light impact depending on what the client wants.  A soundtrack is incredibly powerful during a film and it gives off emotion on a character or the audience.  For example, during a war film, with people dying, guns going off and explosions, the soundtrack won't be heavy jazz music, because this will confuse the audience in their emotions. 

In this film Saving Private Ryan it shows a battle scene where the Americans are fighting the Germans.  By the 10 minute mark, the soundtrack plays to show the emotion of the character on screen, and also all the other characters as well as the audience watching. 

Use on screen text (tiles)

The use of screen text is useful for the audience so they know what is going on, whether it is time, location, day or year, or who is on screen.  Again, using the film Saving Private Ryan it shows the beginning scene to Omaha Beach, the bloodiest battle in WW2.  The opening scene shows the date, being June 6th 1944. 

Image and audio editing

Image and audio editing is used to create that perfect image and audio on screen for the production.  For online editing, the editor can use colour correction, brightness and contrast change to equal out the balance of the visuals.  As for audio editing, it is possible to change the sound levels as well as the sound wave levels to balance out the audio to what the client wants. 




Assessment evidence


Editing Dairy

Editing Report