Post Production - Editing

Film editing is a process in post-production. The footage collected is placed on an editing software and gets edited into what becomes the final film. In our case after having finished the production stage ( shooting the opening sequence ) we began editing our footage using Adobe Premier Pro. 

During the process I had to make a few key decisions, the first was deciding with my team on which shots to use from the library and which shots not to use. The other was deciding on the shot order, although we had a shot list, due to some continuity issues and the shots available I had to re-arrange some of the shots so they moved fluidly and to maintain continuity.

Before starting the editing process we had to recognise the need to allow everyone in the group to have a chance to edit. We also had to manage our time and the process which we carried our editing in order to finish by the deadline. To do this, during our first session we selected the footage from the library then organised them in bins so that they would be easy to find. Additionally, we placed all the shots in order before editing each individual clips. This was to facilitate the editing process and allow us to produce a finished thriller opening sequence .

These are the raw clips shot they are in the library

When beginning the editing there were certain expectations established for each member in the group. As co-director during the shoot, I was involved in the editing process and took final executive decisions if the group or project came at a crossroads[A3] .

Our first session

The first thing we did was reviewing and selecting the shots. This was so we knew which shots we had took during the shoot, some scenes were filmed multiple times so we had to choose the best clip from the selection of shots. We then dragged the best shots, that met the shot list and we placed them on the timeline, in order.

The shots selected were then placed on a timeline. A timeline is an interface that allows you to place the footage on. It is a foundation for editing and producing your thriller. It allows you to place your shots in order, edit shots and view the time of the shots .

 This is a zoomed out shot of the timeline

During the process it was important to name and re-name clips because it made it easier and quicker in selecting and finding shots in the bins. It let us mark the shots we liked and wanted to use. 

Editing the clips

When editing there are various tools available to use. One of which is the ‘razor’ tool, it allowed us to cut a clip into two separate clips , for example in one shot we had ‘Mike’ put on a pair gloves however we found that during the shot there was a long pause before any action resumed; therefore we used the razor tool to cut the clip and trimming it down so that we had two good shots of him putting on a pair of gloves .

This is the 'razor' tool

We layered the shots where 'Mike' is putting on the gloves so

 that we could match on action. We did this using the razor tool.

When cutting and compositing the shots we had to make sure it was cohesive and cut from one shot to another fluidly. If we cut on action we had to make sure to match on action for a smooth transition between shots.  

Decisions made to the sequence of order of the shots

We used the timeline to display our shots and bring together all of out selected footage. The timeline helped with the issue of continuity. It let us view them sequence. We were able to put the shots in order according to our shot list and make sure that the storyline was understandable and coherent from the audiences perspective, whether they understood it or not. When arranging our footage we used 3 layers but in other places we used 4 to create variety. The layers allowed us to layer clips and have a higher degree of accuracy in transitioning between clips and adjust how they blend into each other .  

 Both these images show how we layered the clips on our timeline

Mastering Continuity

During the editing there were many instances where we had to match on action. In one scene ‘Mike’ has to exit the room, it starts with him walking to the door it then cuts to a close up of his fingers flicking the light switch which cuts to him opening the door with the camera dead on him from the back (exposing his silhouette), it lastly cuts to a profile shot of ‘Mike’ whilst he leaves the room. It was important on cutting the shots at exactly the right time in order for them to run smoothly through each other and make it appear seamless.

Technologies Used

To edit our footage we used Adobe Premier Pro CC. Premier Pro is a video editing software, it was the platform which we used to edit, it’s various functions and tools allowed us to edit and compose our thriller opening sequence.

Overall, we have completed the major editing work, all we need to do is to make some final clean ups and add sound, effects and titles.

This is an intro video on Adobe Premier Pro CC from the Adobe website

Overall, we have completed the major editing work, all we need to do is to make some final clean ups and add sound, effects and titles. The editing process helped me develop my time management skills and as well helped me breakdown the process so that we could work step by step efficiently.