We’re in the middle of a series of posts I’ve been writing based on the notes I took during my Editing 1 class in Film School.  I learned so much about editing in that class and I’m glad I can share it with all of you.

Editing involves intimacy and exploration.

Intimacy: knowing your footage.

Exploration: playing with different cuts; trying new things.

Before I begin cutting anything, I make it a habit to know my footage thoroughly.  I hate working with editors who just jump right in.  How do they know if the shots they are picking are the right ones if they don’t even know what shots there are to choose from?

Yes, I’m anal.  But I have the peace of mind to know that I playing the game knowing which cards are in my hand.  (I think this is what makes me  a great assistant editor as well.  Keeping the footage organized is fun for me.)

The second part of this principle is the hardest part for me.  Once I get it in my head how a cut should go, I find it hard to try anything else.

Josh and I had this issue on Dangerous Calling.  Once a scene was cut, I was married to it and wanted to move on.  But Josh was always wondering how we could plus it or change it around completely.  We make a good team.  I keep us moving forward and he makes sure we explore all of our options.

These posts make me want to cut something.  How about you?