Editing is one of the alluring and fascinating aspects of filmmaking. Once the film is shot it needs to be put together and get it ready to share with the audience. It is where the whole story comes together.
Editing comes during the post-production stage. The selection of the shots to use, their arrangement, sequence and how to add sound effects etc. makes a very big impact on the movie. One should ensure that all the elements are present in the required amount.
This is an art which is both technical and creative, hence, it is very important to have a formal classroom education before going and working in the film industry. Some of the best editing courses in India are recognized across the world.
Select what just story needs
While shooting the film there might be some beautiful shots taken and become precious about the footage, but if they are not adding any value to the story don’t select them. Do not delete them immediately until you are double sure about it.
Show something new with each edit
Show a different view or the different subject either shot from a different angle or shot size.
The step between shot sizes
If you cut straight from an extreme long shot to an extreme close-up, the audience won’t understand where the close-up fits into the bigger picture. Use an in-between size like a mid-shot to bring the audience with you.
Set the right pace
A scene should stay on the screen till the audience understands not until it bores them.
Simple shots, close-ups, shots without any action can stay for a shorter duration whereas extreme long shots or shots with details need to be for a little longer so that the audience can grasp.
Ensure that you check the pace is consistent and makes a film more interesting.
Usage of correct transitions
The in-between joining of two scenes is called a Transition.
If the scene shows continuous action or one short space of time? You should use cuts, where the shot goes straight into the next one. If you use fades or dissolves, you’ll confuse people.
In a cross dissolve or crossfade, the shots dissolve into each other (one image gets weaker while the next shot gets stronger). You can use these to show that you’ve left out a short space of time, or part of a journey.
You can use a fade-out (usually to black) at the end of a scene. Fade out followed by a fade-in means that a period has passed.
Wipes and other elaborate transitions don’t usually contribute to storytelling.
Keep track of the bigger picture
Don’t get so bogged down in one edit that you lose track of how it fits into the sequence. Play several shots together – or the whole sequence – to check how it all works together.
So, these are some basic beginners editing principles.
However, one can understand and get the complete knowledge of film editing by studying and practicing it
While there are several schools that teach editing, aspiring film professionals must opt for those colleges that can provide students with the opportunity to get hands on practical learning exposure in a live studio environment. That would truly lend more value to the editing course and make students Industry-ready.
Annapurna College has one of the best editing courses in India. To know more about the Editing Course, please check out the details here:
