Editor + Dog Related Reading Notes

Editing Related Reading

- Glynne, A. (2008) Documentaries and how to make them, Chapter 15 Preparing for the Edit

• Think ahead to the key moment of the scene before starting the cut, then have a clear picture of the shape firmly in mind.
• Avoid having to cut between shots on the same camera angle especially if the shot is of a single person.
• Watch your eye-lines. It is all too easy to give the effect that two people are looking away from each other in separate close-ups, which obviously influences the emotional effect of the scene.
• Watch the pace of the action which has to be matched in cutting. The demands of shooting may necessitate adapting your ideas to accommodate a different pace to that envisaged but you must incorporate such changes in all shots. e.g. if the hand held close-up of a person talking whilst walking has to be taken more slowly, then the intercut wide shot must be slower. Do not delude yourself into thinking that the c/u face of a walking person does not convey a sense of pace.
• 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.
• Pre-selected music is often very restrictive as can be pre-edited interview material. Both have a pace of their own which may drag your visuals into a form bearing no resemblance to the style of the film as a whole.
• Do aim for self discipline when cutting. It's all very well to say "if it doesn't work we can stick it back together again". Experimenting is part of the learning process but, the sooner you are positive in your approach the quicker you will become confident in construction and pacing.
• It's usually better to spend an hour familiarising yourself with and analysing your material rather than jumping straight in. Tape joiners are a mixed blessing. You may thing you have lost nothing if a quick first cut doesn't work but too many re-cuts result.. in everyone being more conscious of the joins of the shots

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