9.4 Editing for pacing and structure

Editing shapes raw footage into a compelling narrative, making deliberate choices to create emotional impact and convey the intended story. It's a crucial stage in filmmaking that involves restructuring and refining the story through shot selection and arrangement.

Effective editing balances macro decisions about overall structure with micro-level fine-tuning of individual moments. It requires a keen understanding of pacing, rhythm, and emotional dynamics to craft a cohesive and engaging film that resonates with audiences.

Principles of effective editing

• Editing is a crucial stage in the filmmaking process where the raw footage is shaped into a cohesive and compelling narrative
• Effective editing involves making deliberate choices about what to include, exclude, and emphasize to create the desired emotional impact and convey the intended story

Editing as rewriting process

Top images from around the web for Editing as rewriting process

• 

  [Premiere Pro] 映像素材をトリムして編集をしよう！良く使うトリミング5つの方法 - Curioscene (キュリオシーン) - 映像制作、動画編集チュートリアルマガジンサイト View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  [Premiere Pro] 映像素材をトリムして編集をしよう！良く使うトリミング5つの方法 - Curioscene (キュリオシーン) - 映像制作、動画編集チュートリアルマガジンサイト View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  [Premiere Pro] 映像素材をトリムして編集をしよう！良く使うトリミング5つの方法 - Curioscene (キュリオシーン) - 映像制作、動画編集チュートリアルマガジンサイト View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  [Premiere Pro] 映像素材をトリムして編集をしよう！良く使うトリミング5つの方法 - Curioscene (キュリオシーン) - 映像制作、動画編集チュートリアルマガジンサイト View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  [Premiere Pro] 映像素材をトリムして編集をしよう！良く使うトリミング5つの方法 - Curioscene (キュリオシーン) - 映像制作、動画編集チュートリアルマガジンサイト View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Editing as rewriting process

• 

  [Premiere Pro] 映像素材をトリムして編集をしよう！良く使うトリミング5つの方法 - Curioscene (キュリオシーン) - 映像制作、動画編集チュートリアルマガジンサイト View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  [Premiere Pro] 映像素材をトリムして編集をしよう！良く使うトリミング5つの方法 - Curioscene (キュリオシーン) - 映像制作、動画編集チュートリアルマガジンサイト View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  [Premiere Pro] 映像素材をトリムして編集をしよう！良く使うトリミング5つの方法 - Curioscene (キュリオシーン) - 映像制作、動画編集チュートリアルマガジンサイト View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  [Premiere Pro] 映像素材をトリムして編集をしよう！良く使うトリミング5つの方法 - Curioscene (キュリオシーン) - 映像制作、動画編集チュートリアルマガジンサイト View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  [Premiere Pro] 映像素材をトリムして編集をしよう！良く使うトリミング5つの方法 - Curioscene (キュリオシーン) - 映像制作、動画編集チュートリアルマガジンサイト View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Editing can be seen as a form of rewriting, where the editor restructures and refines the story through the selection and arrangement of shots
• This process involves trimming unnecessary footage, rearranging scenes, and creating new juxtapositions to clarify character arcs and themes
• The editor must be willing to make bold choices and "kill their darlings" by cutting material that doesn't serve the overall narrative, even if it is well-executed or emotionally resonant

Macro vs micro editing

• Macro editing refers to the big-picture decisions about the overall structure and pacing of the film, such as the order of scenes and the balance between different storylines
• Micro editing involves the fine-tuning of individual moments within a scene, such as the timing of cuts, the selection of specific takes, and the use of reaction shots
• Effective editing requires a balance between macro and micro considerations, ensuring that each scene works on its own while also fitting seamlessly into the larger narrative arc

Pacing in film editing

• Pacing refers to the rhythm and tempo of a film, which is largely determined by the editing choices made in post-production
• The pacing of a film can greatly affect the audience's emotional engagement and perception of time, with faster pacing creating a sense of urgency and slower pacing allowing for contemplation and character development

Rhythm and tempo

• Rhythm in film editing refers to the pattern of shot lengths and the timing of cuts, which can create a sense of visual musicality and flow
• Tempo is the speed or pace of the editing, with faster tempos often used for action sequences and slower tempos for dramatic or introspective moments
• Varying the rhythm and tempo throughout a film can help to maintain audience interest and create a dynamic viewing experience

Beat, pace and trajectory

• A beat in film editing refers to a small unit of action or a moment of emotional significance within a scene, often punctuated by a cut or a change in shot size
• The pace of a scene is determined by the number and frequency of beats, with a higher density of beats creating a faster pace and a lower density allowing for more breathing room
• The trajectory of a scene or sequence refers to the overall shape and direction of the emotional or narrative arc, which can be shaped through the use of pacing and shot selection

Dynamics of shot duration

• Shot duration refers to the length of time that a particular shot remains on screen before cutting to the next one
• Longer shot durations can create a sense of contemplation or unease, while shorter durations can create a sense of urgency or excitement
• Varying shot durations within a scene can help to create a sense of visual rhythm and guide the audience's attention to key moments or details

Ramping tension and energy

• Ramping tension and energy involves gradually increasing the pace and intensity of a scene or sequence through the use of shorter shot durations, more frequent cuts, and increasingly tight framing
• This technique is often used in action sequences or suspense scenes to create a sense of escalating stakes and keep the audience on the edge of their seat
• Effective ramping requires careful modulation of the editing to avoid overwhelming the audience or sacrificing clarity for the sake of excitement

Structuring the edit

• Structuring the edit involves making decisions about the overall arrangement and flow of scenes and sequences to create a coherent and compelling narrative
• Effective structuring requires a deep understanding of the story's themes, character arcs, and emotional beats, as well as a willingness to experiment with different possibilities in the editing room

Scene construction and transitions

• Scene construction involves selecting and arranging shots within a scene to create a clear and compelling mini-narrative that advances the overall story
• Transitions between scenes can be used to create a sense of continuity or contrast, depending on the desired emotional effect and narrative purpose
• Common transition techniques include cuts, fades, dissolves, and wipes, each of which can convey a different sense of time, space, or emotional tone

Continuity editing techniques

• Continuity editing is a style of editing that aims to create a sense of spatial and temporal coherence between shots, allowing the audience to follow the action and maintain a clear understanding of the story
• Techniques such as match cuts, eyeline matches, and the 180-degree rule help to create a sense of continuity and guide the audience's attention within a scene
• Continuity editing is often used in classical Hollywood cinema and other forms of narrative filmmaking that prioritize clarity and immersion

Montage theory and practice

• Montage is a style of editing that emphasizes the juxtaposition and collision of shots to create new meanings and associations beyond the literal content of the individual images
• Montage theory, as developed by Soviet filmmakers such as Sergei Eisenstein, posits that the meaning of a film emerges from the dialectical relationship between shots rather than from the shots themselves
• In practice, montage can be used to compress time, convey complex ideas or emotions, or create a sense of visual poetry and rhythm

Non-linear vs linear storytelling

• Linear storytelling presents events in chronological order, with each scene following logically from the previous one in a cause-and-effect chain
• Non-linear storytelling disrupts the chronological order of events, often using techniques such as flashbacks, flash-forwards, or parallel storylines to create a more complex and fragmented narrative
• Non-linear editing tools such as Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro have made it easier for filmmakers to experiment with non-linear storytelling techniques in post-production

Editing for emotional impact

• One of the primary goals of editing is to create a strong emotional impact on the audience, whether that means eliciting laughter, tears, or a sense of unease
• Effective editing for emotional impact requires a deep understanding of human psychology and the ways in which visual and auditory cues can be used to manipulate the audience's emotional state

Timing for dramatic effect

• Timing is crucial in editing for dramatic effect, with the precise placement of cuts and the duration of shots greatly influencing the audience's emotional response
• Holding on a shot for an extra beat can create a sense of tension or anticipation, while cutting away at the precise moment of emotional impact can heighten the intensity of the moment
• In dialogue scenes, the timing of cuts can be used to emphasize certain lines or reactions, or to create a sense of awkwardness or discomfort

Juxtaposition and contrast

• Juxtaposition involves placing two or more shots or scenes in close proximity to create a new meaning or emotional effect through their contrast or similarity
• Contrast can be used to create a sense of irony, tension, or emotional dissonance, such as cutting from a joyful wedding scene to a funeral (The Godfather)
• Juxtaposition can also be used to suggest thematic connections or parallels between seemingly unrelated moments or characters

Manipulating tone and mood

• The tone and mood of a scene or film can be greatly influenced by the editing choices made in post-production
• The selection of shots, the pacing of the edit, and the use of music and sound design can all contribute to creating a specific emotional atmosphere
• For example, a scene that is edited with quick cuts and discordant music will have a very different tone and mood than the same scene edited with long takes and gentle piano music

Visceral vs intellectual response

• Editing can be used to elicit both visceral and intellectual responses from the audience, depending on the desired effect and the nature of the story being told
• Visceral responses are immediate, primal reactions to sensory stimuli, such as the fear or excitement generated by a well-edited action sequence (Mad Max: Fury Road)
• Intellectual responses involve a more reflective, analytical engagement with the ideas and themes of the film, often through the use of montage or other associative editing techniques (The Tree of Life)

Editing dialogue scenes

• Dialogue scenes are a crucial component of most narrative films, and the editing of these scenes can greatly influence the audience's understanding of the characters and their relationships
• Effective dialogue editing requires a keen understanding of performance, subtext, and the emotional dynamics between characters

Line delivery and timing

• The timing and delivery of lines in a dialogue scene can greatly affect the emotional impact and believability of the performance
• Editors must be attuned to the rhythms and cadences of natural speech, and be willing to adjust the timing of cuts to accommodate the best takes and the most authentic line deliveries
• In some cases, editors may need to use split-screen or other techniques to combine the best parts of different takes into a single, seamless performance

Reaction shots and listening

• Reaction shots and listening shots are crucial in dialogue scenes, as they allow the audience to see how characters are responding to each other and to the emotional subtext of the conversation
• Effective use of reaction shots can help to build tension, reveal character, and create a sense of emotional intimacy between the characters and the audience
• Listening shots, which show a character silently reacting to another character's dialogue, can be particularly powerful in conveying the emotional stakes of a scene

Intercutting and two-shots

• Intercutting is a technique where the editor alternates between shots of two or more characters in a conversation, often using over-the-shoulder or single shots to create a sense of back-and-forth dialogue
• Two-shots, which show both characters in the same frame, can be used to establish the spatial relationship between the characters and to create a sense of intimacy or tension
• The choice between intercutting and two-shots can greatly affect the emotional dynamics of a scene, with intercutting often used for more confrontational or emotionally charged moments and two-shots used for more intimate or collaborative interactions

Conveying subtext and power dynamics

• One of the key challenges in editing dialogue scenes is conveying the subtext and power dynamics between the characters, which may not always be explicitly stated in the dialogue itself
• The choice of shot size, the timing of cuts, and the use of reaction shots can all help to convey the underlying emotional tensions and power struggles between the characters
• For example, a scene where one character dominates the conversation may be edited with more close-ups and longer takes on that character, while the other character is shown in shorter, more fragmented shots to convey their sense of powerlessness or subordination

Action and suspense editing

• Action and suspense scenes are some of the most challenging and rewarding sequences for editors to work on, requiring a keen sense of pacing, rhythm, and visual storytelling
• Effective action and suspense editing can create a visceral sense of excitement and tension in the audience, keeping them on the edge of their seat and fully immersed in the story

Establishing geography and blocking

• One of the key challenges in editing action scenes is establishing a clear sense of geography and blocking, so that the audience can follow the spatial relationships between characters and objects in the scene
• This often involves using establishing shots to set the scene, as well as carefully selecting and arranging shots to create a coherent sense of movement and direction
• The use of screen direction, eyeline matches, and other continuity editing techniques can help to maintain a clear sense of geography throughout the scene

Cutting on action and motion

• Cutting on action and motion is a key technique in action editing, where the editor cuts from one shot to another at the precise moment of a character's movement or a physical action
• This technique helps to create a sense of continuity and flow between shots, and can be used to hide cuts or to create a sense of dynamic energy and momentum
• For example, cutting from a wide shot of a character throwing a punch to a close-up of the impact can create a visceral sense of force and intensity

Withholding and revealing information

• In suspense scenes, the editor can use the technique of withholding and revealing information to create a sense of mystery, anticipation, or dread in the audience
• This may involve using off-screen space, sound design, or carefully timed reveals to create a sense of the unknown or the unseen
• For example, in a horror film, the editor may use a series of quick cuts and disorienting angles to suggest the presence of a threat, without actually showing the monster or killer on screen

Accelerating pace and stakes

• As an action or suspense scene progresses, the editor can use techniques such as shorter shot durations, more frequent cuts, and increasingly tight framing to create a sense of accelerating pace and rising stakes
• This can help to create a sense of urgency and tension in the audience, as the characters are pushed to their limits and the outcome of the scene becomes increasingly uncertain
• The use of parallel editing or cross-cutting can also be used to create a sense of mounting pressure and convergence, as multiple storylines or character arcs come together in a climactic moment

Editing styles and conventions

• Different editing styles and conventions have emerged over the history of cinema, each with its own set of techniques, aesthetics, and narrative implications
• Understanding these different styles and conventions can help editors to make informed choices about how to approach a particular project or scene, and how to create a specific emotional or intellectual effect in the audience

Continuity vs discontinuity editing

• Continuity editing, as discussed earlier, is a style that aims to create a sense of spatial and temporal coherence between shots, emphasizing clarity and immersion in the story
• Discontinuity editing, on the other hand, embraces the inherent fragmentation and artificiality of the medium, using techniques such as jump cuts, non-linear storytelling, and associative montage to create new meanings and emotions
• The choice between continuity and discontinuity editing can greatly affect the tone and style of a film, with continuity editing often used for more classical or naturalistic stories and discontinuity editing used for more experimental or avant-garde works

Montage vs mise-en-scène

• Montage and mise-en-scène are two contrasting approaches to visual storytelling in cinema, each with its own set of priorities and techniques
• Mise-en-scène refers to the arrangement of elements within the frame, such as lighting, set design, and blocking, and emphasizes the use of long takes and deep focus to create a sense of spatial and temporal continuity
• Montage, as discussed earlier, emphasizes the juxtaposition and collision of shots to create new meanings and emotions, and is often associated with more experimental or politically radical filmmaking

Realism vs expressionism

• Realism and expressionism are two contrasting styles of filmmaking that have influenced the development of editing techniques and conventions
• Realism aims to create a sense of objective, unmediated reality on screen, often using techniques such as long takes, deep focus, and naturalistic acting to create a sense of authenticity and immediacy
• Expressionism, on the other hand, emphasizes the subjective, psychological experience of the characters and the filmmaker, using techniques such as distorted angles, high-contrast lighting, and symbolic montage to create a sense of emotional or psychological intensity

Genre-specific editing techniques

• Different film genres have their own set of editing techniques and conventions that have evolved over time to create a specific emotional or narrative effect
• For example, action films often use rapid-fire editing, quick cuts, and explosive sound design to create a sense of adrenaline and excitement, while horror films may use slower pacing, off-screen space, and disorienting angles to create a sense of dread and unease
• Romantic comedies may use playful, rhythmic editing and reaction shots to emphasize the chemistry and banter between the leads, while documentaries may use more observational, unobtrusive editing to create a sense of authenticity and immediacy

Collaborating with the editor

• Editing is a highly collaborative process that requires clear communication, trust, and a shared vision between the director, editor, and other key creative personnel
• Effective collaboration can lead to a more cohesive and emotionally resonant final product, while poor collaboration can lead to creative differences, delays, and a compromised vision

Communicating the director's vision

• One of the key roles of the director in the editing process is to communicate their vision for the film to the editor, providing guidance on the desired tone, pacing, and emotional arc of the story
• This may involve providing detailed notes on individual scenes or sequences, as well as broader discussions about the themes, characters, and visual style of the film
• The director should be open to the editor's creative input and expertise, while also being clear and decisive about their own vision and priorities

Revising the edit with feedback

• The editing process is often an iterative one, with multiple rounds of revisions and feedback from the director, producers, and other stakeholders
• The editor should be open to constructive feedback and willing to make changes to the edit based on the director's notes and the overall needs of the story
• At the same time, the editor should be able to articulate their own creative choices and rationale, and be willing to stand up for their vision when necessary

Navigating creative differences

• Creative differences are a common and often healthy part of the collaborative process, but they can also lead to tension and conflict if not handled properly
• The director and editor should strive to maintain open and respectful communication, and be willing to listen to each other's perspectives and find common ground
• In some cases, it may be necessary to bring in outside mediators or producers to help resolve creative differences and keep the project on track

Finalizing the director's cut

• The director's cut is the version of the film that represents the director's final creative vision, before any further changes are made by the studio or other stakeholders
• Finalizing the director's cut requires close collaboration between the director and editor, as well as a willingness to make tough decisions about what to keep, what to cut, and how to shape the overall narrative and emotional arc of the film
• The director's cut is often seen as the purest expression of the filmmaker's vision, and can be a source of pride and creative fulfillment for both the director and editor