Portfolio of Evidence to be presented by each student for:

Unit 16: Film and Video Editing Techniques

SOCIAL ACTION & THE COMMUNITY FILM ASSIGNMENT

Name: Paul McKay

Please provide a written comment that deals with all the italicized tasks below.
You dont need to write about all of listed content but it essential that you write
about a minimum of two of the sub headings for the learning outcomes.
Unit content

LO1. UNDERSTAND THE DEVELOPMENT AND PRINCIPLES OF EDITING

LO1.1 Development: in-camera editing; following the action; multiple points of

view; shot variation; manipulation of diegetic time and space; film, video;
analogue; digital.

Task 1. Provide a written report to explain your understanding of the above

media terms, also provide written details about camera and audio equipment
you use to record production work. P1 M1 D1

In-camera editing
In-camera editing is shooting scenes chronologically as they will appear in the final edit, we do this by
planning it out in pre-production. Paper work such as Shot lists and storyboards helps us map out the
scene before hand, it also allows us not to shoot in non-chronological order which can confuse the
editor and make it harder to organize.
Following the Action
The title is self explanatory, this is when the camera follows a subject or object that is important to the
scene taking place. Various equipment is needed to do a shot like this such as a steadicam, gimble or

dolly's. A great example of this type of shot is in Stanley Kubrick's the shining as we follow danny on his
tricycle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy7ztJ3NUMI

Multiple points of view

This technique is very useful when there is a group of people having a conversation and you want to
draw attention to the one speaking, this allows for the character to fell more powerful and give their
words more meaning.

Shot variation
This is when you use a mixture of shots instead of realying on one, the variation of the type of shots
such as mid-shot, extreme close ups, cut-ins.ETC makes the scene more dynamic and more interesting
to watch, it gives the director more choice to add things that would be missed otherwise, it intrigues the
viewer instead of boring. A good example of this would be in SE7En's ''the BOX'' scene. The wide shot/
establishing shot tells us that they are in the middle of nowhere, the close ups of Brad pitt and Kevin
Spacey shows that they are the ones that this scene effects, while mid shots of morgan freeman tells us
that this scene is not about him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1giVzxyoclE

Manipulation of diegetic time and space

Diegetic time and space is the Raw audio and video captured by the camera at that time, therefore
manipulating it would involve adding sounds such as music, crowd noises and anything that suits the
scene. For space it would be adding effects such as colour corrections, blurs to ulter it and make it more
relatable to the movie.
Stranger than Fiction plays around with manipulating sound well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6hnxtl4g9M
Inception is a good example of manipulating space - https://youtu.be/dG22TcpjRnY?t=60

Film
Film is made out of various celluloid compounds. It is used to capture motion frame by frame. Its high
flammability was legendary since it self explodes when exposed to temperatures over 150 C in front of
a hot movie projector beam. While celluloid film was standard for 35mm theatrical productions until
circa 1950, motion picture film for amateur use, such as 16mm and 8mm film, were on acetate "safety
base" at least in the US. It was often recorded at 24 frames per second . It is not often used anymore
due to the dangers and inability to edit efficiently with.

Video
Video is the compration of multiple frames to create a moving image, it can be shot on old celluloid
tapes or on new digital cameras.

Analogue
Analogue is an outdated form of editing, it was the standard before computers were able to import the
video on to the machine but is no longer used for some obvious reasons. Mistakes could not be fixed
leaving the director unable to play around with his footage to add on to this you had to edit
chronologically in a consecutive manner.

Digital
Digital video is todays standard in media, it is recorded onto a sd card or hard drive and is imported on
to a computer to be edited, This form of video is the best as it can be re-edited and more effects can be
added with such programmes as sony vegas, after effects and final cut.

Equipment used for productions

Cameras
There is many type of cameras that have there own advantages and disadvantages, Sony cameras and
jvc's are slightly better quality but their weight and file compression systems are not as good as a dslr
which is light and easier ro move about with while the files are better compressed. This is why i will
often use a dslr instead of a high production camera like a JVC or Sony.

JVC

Sony

Dslr

Tripods
Tripods were used also to stablize the camera and allow for smooth shots

Microphones
ive used multiple mics for productions but find that boom mics are the best quality but if needed for
some quick work and alot of moving the Rode shotgun mics are also very good. I hope to use some
lavalier mics in the future for interviews and hosting videos.

Rode Shotgun Mic

Boom Mic

Lavalier Mic

LO1.2 Purposes: storytelling, e.g. engaging the viewer, development of drama,

relationship to genre, creating motivation; combining shots into sequences;
creating pace.

Task 2. Describe how the above media terms are important to moving image
productions. Give an account of you are intending to employ editing techniques
and processes to tell your story? P1 M1 D1

Storytelling
Storytelling is in my opinion the most important part of the project, its makes you use different
techniques to express a interesting narrative. If this is failed your whole movie will more than likely fail.

Engaging the viewer

Engaging the viewer is needed to make sure that they don't get bored and just give up, it makes you cut
out all unnecessary scenes that does not either progress the story or develop a character. Only relevant
shots should be in the movie.

Development of Drama
The development of drama and how it effects outcomes, builds tension and adds suspense later on in
the movie.

Relationship to genre
This is how a film portrays itself, therefore if it is trying to scare an audience it is a horror, if it makes you
laugh its a comedy. Genre is all based on the audience opinion. That's why some B rated Horror movies
are considered comedy's, although they are called horror it is so badly executed it is funny and cant be
taken seriously.

Creating Motivation
This is to make sense of why a character is doing a specific act, film makers need to create a back story
or end goal of why the character has to do that action, without motivation certain acts can confuse
audiences and be boring as they dont progress the story. A good example of Creating motivation is in
Whiplash when we are told he wants to be the best, so he has to give up everything and put every single
bit of himself into drumming.

Creating Pace
Pace is created by multiple factors such as sound, visuals and dialouge. These facotrs control how
quickly the story line progresses. They can help show emotions such as happy, scared, bored.ETC Action
scenes will have a fast pace while a romantic scene will have a slow pace.

LO1.3 Conventions and techniques: seamless; continuity; motivated; montage;

jump-cutting; parallel editing; 180o rule; splicing; transitions, e.g. cut, dissolve,
fade, wipe; cutaways; point of view shot; shot-reverse-shot; providing and
withholding information; editing rhythm; crosscutting; cutting to soundtrack.

Task 3. Provide a written report to explain what the above editing conventions
and techniques mean and give an account of the editing techniques you plan to
use in your production. P1 M1 D1

Colour isolation
This effect allowed us to isolate one colour and make it stand out, we used red in our movie as red can
be linked with anger, death and evil. We thought this suited our movie perfectly so decided to continues
on and use it. Here is an Example of Colour isolation.

Jump cutting
This was used to imply that action was happening without ever actually seeing it, this was a good
technique as we did not need great acting to imply that our main character was killing and inflecting
damage upon others. it can also be used to jump between scenes without knowing what happens in
between.
Here is a couple examples of jump cuts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1yUwWG5ikE

Gaussian Blur
this was used to blur out characters as there identidty is unknown to the main character so therefore do
not need to be shown to the audiecnce and create some enigma to who they really are.

Continuity
continuity is the unbroken and consistent existence or operation of something over time. this means as
the camera switch's positions everything stays the same in frame. A example of this would be someone
smoking. In one shot he cant be lighting it up to the next shot him being almost done in the matter of
frames, it doesn't look good and can tell its two different interactions.

Montage
the technique of selecting, editing, and piecing together separate sections of film to form a continuous
whole. A good example of this would be the introduction to UP as it shows us various clips to get to that
point in the story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G371JiLJ7A

Cut
Cut is an instantianous transition to the next clip, no time is wasted getting to the other clip and is gives
the impression of fast movement.

Dissolve
Dissolve is a slower transition, as the title suggests the title slowly dissolves into the next clip, this is
often used to let the audience think about the previous scene.

LO2.1 Preparation techniques: checking material for faults; marking up a script;

labelling tapes; storing tapes or film; producing an edit decision list; creating
bins; clarifying the purpose of the work with a client e.g. seamless, continuity,
motivated, montage, jump-cutting, parallel editing; use appropriate transitions,
e.g. cut, dissolve, fade, wipe; use appropriate conventions, e.g. cutaways,
cutting on action, creating juxtapositions, intercutting; pace effectively; convey
information effectively; use sound to
Task 4. Write about and describe the editing terms and processes mentioned
above

Marking up a Script

Editors and directors will do this to make sure they are on the same level, it helps them figure what cuts
will be made where before anything is even shot or recorded. This is a very over looked factor but
important as it can make you confused later on as no one knows how it should be done.

Checking Materials for Faults

This is a very easy thing to do, you must check the audio and visuals to make sure that the visuals are
well focused and that the audio is useable.

Labeling Tapes
This saves you alot of time in the long run as everything will be organized and it dosent leave the editor
confused.

Storing tapes or Film

Tapes and films need to stored in ideal storage, they cannot be exposed to light or high tempature or
the tapes will be destroyed, the best place is in a labeled container in a dry area.

Creating Bins
This is important for the editor it allows the directors to leave a note on each film reel put them in a
bin(container) straight from a shoot. This allows for a more organized surroundings when it comes to
the final edit.

LO2.2 Preparing to edit: importing clips; bins; timelines; storage and folder
management; online and offline editing; formats; resolution

Task 5. Provide screen shots of the editing techniques used. Command Shift
4 and select the relevant material on screen.
Screen shots of clips, bins, timeline, etc.

Colour isolation

Gaussian Blur

Editing Timeline

Importing Media

Rendering

LO3.1 Editing technology: software applications; hardware, e.g. non-linear,

linear; high definition; standard definition; tapes; hard disc; data transfer rates;
exporting productions; file types, e.g. mov, avi, flv; compression

Task 6. Describe what editing techniques you used to produce the work and
provide a list of all editing equipment employed in production process.

Editing Technology
Editing technology: software applications; hardware, e.g. non-linear; high definition; standard
definition; tapes; hard disc; data transfer rates; exporting productions; file types, e.g. MOV, AVI, FLV;
compression.

Software Applications
I have been familiar with multiple editing programmes in the past and therefore had good experience
when it came to this part of the project. Software i had previously used include Sony vegas, After effects,
Boujou 5 and Preimere pro. We were told to focus on Final cut pro for this project but could use other
software if we pleased. As i had never used final cut i didnt want to be wasting time trying to get the
basics when i could use an other programme and have an advanced knowledge of the programme. Each
progarmme had its positives and negatives such as sony vegas not being able to work on mac's
therefore restricting my editing to at home instead me being able to edit at both home and school which
programmes like adobe after effects could do. After effects also had problems such as render times and
syncing clips together, these two factors take up so much extra time that it didnt feel efficient to use the
programme. To get the best outcome when rendered i had choosen Sony Vegas as i knew i could do
more and be more efficient. I believe i made the right choice as it turned out well.

Hardware
Hardware plays a big factor in editing and we overlook it so often. it was so important using the right
hardware as wasted time doesn't help anyone. I had a selection between an Apple iMac and my own
personal pc, it was clear which one was the preferable choice as the Mac's specs did not come close to
my own personal PC. Mac's only have a 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo compared to that of the PC which was
a 3.6 ghz intel core i5, this to the average person does not look like much but when applying it to such
things as render time it could save me hours which i could spend making the edit more appealing to the

audience. Apart from this the operating system also played a massive factor as they differ so much that
it slowed me down while trying to learn the short keys for the programmes, Windows is the system ive
been using all my life and it benefited me greatly in this project.

High Definition (HD)

HD is the standard that we use in this modern age. Standard resolutions for HD is 1080p/1080i
(1920x1080) and 720p (1280x720). There is more resolutions that have not been fully implemented yet
but will be in the future like 4k (1440 x 2560) and 8k (7,680 x 4,320). it may take a while before these
become the standard as the technology is still expensive.

Standard Definition (SD)

Standard definition is the outdated resolutions that are very rarely used in todays media, resolutions
include 480p, 360p, 240p and 144p

Linear
Linear editing is editing (sound, imagery, transitions.etc) in a ordered sequence. Linear is seen as basic
and is rarely choosen over non-linear editing.
Non-linear
Non linear editing allows for the user to access any clip at any time, this makes it easier to add
transitions and effects that would be a pain to add while editing linear. Nearly all professinal editing
software is non-linear but there is exceptions.
Hard Disk
This is a portable storage system to store all file related to the current project, this should be an
essential for editors as it backs up the files and also makes them easier to transport between stations.
Tapes
Tapes are an outdated form of filming and is not used in todays media, tapes are too expensive and can
be corrupted by certain light.
Data Transfer Rates
This is the speed at which the files transfers from one station to another. Usually measured in megabits
or megabytes.
Exporting Production
For sony vegas rendering and exporting the project is very simple, you simply hit the green button top
left of the screen.
MP3
a means of compressing a sound sequence into a very small file, to enable digital storage and
transmission.
MP4
MP4 is a digital multimedia container format most commonly used to store video and audio, but can
also be used to store other data such as subtitles and still images.
MOV
A .mov file is a Quicktime movie file. Quicktime is a video and audio container format developed by
Apple Computer Inc.

AVI
a multimedia container format introduced by Microsoft in November 1992
FLV
a file format used by Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR to store and deliver synchronized audio and
video streams over the Internet.

LO3.2 Editing process: use appropriate techniques, create impact; synchronize

sound and vision; mix soundtracks; overlap sound; offline edit; online edit

Task 7. Describe editing techniques used and provide screen shots of editing
techniques employed

Separating audio
This is when you separate the audio from the video, it allows you to adjust it and improve upon the
syncing.
Here is an example from my work

Jump Cutting
we had the subject jump cut from the start of the movie to the end. in the same postition phycially but
not mentally.

Fade
Fading in a out of a clip for a nice transitition

Dissolve
Disolve is a slower transtion, as the title suggests the title slowly disolves into the next clip, this is often
used to let the audiecne think about the previous scene.

Pace effectively
We worked hard on the sound that made the scenes pace out very nicely