3 Editing Secrets I Wish I Knew Earlier

Summary

In this insightful video, the editor discusses how editing is more than just a technical skill — it's an art form. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling over flashy effects and explores the balance between creative expression and technical precision. Key lessons include the 'Jurassic Park Theory' of not using effects for the sake of it, the concept of 'Murder Your Darlings' in editing, and the need to transcend from being an editor to an artist by editing with emotion and intuition. The message is clear: great editing is about serving the story, not the algorithm.

Takeaways

• 😀 Editing should be viewed as an opportunity for creative expression, not just a problem-solving task.
• 😀 Just because a tool (e.g., VFX, music) is available doesn't mean it should automatically be used; every edit should serve the story.
• 😀 Sometimes, less is more. Overuse of effects and transitions can distract from the story you're trying to tell.
• 😀 Simple, effective cuts can often convey the message more powerfully than complex, flashy edits.
• 😀 Editing is about creating a 'conversation' between shots. Each shot should connect with the one before and after it.
• 😀 To become an artist in editing, one must not only master technical skills but also learn to listen to their heart, expressing emotions beyond formulas.
• 😀 The algorithm-driven approach to YouTube editing, which focuses on speed and brevity, can sometimes strip away the essence of the story.
• 😀 Moments of silence and subtle body language can be more impactful than dialogue or constant stimulation.
• 😀 'Murder your darlings'—don't be afraid to cut what feels precious, but don't cut out meaningful moments that contribute to the story.
• 😀 True artistic editing happens when you move beyond formulas and allow emotions and personal expression to guide your decisions.
• 😀 When editing emotionally charged moments, like saying goodbye, the best work often comes from editing with your heart, not just your mind.

Q & A

What is the main point of the 'Jurassic Park Theory' in the context of editing?

The 'Jurassic Park Theory' suggests that just because you *can* add something—like VFX, music, or effects—doesn't mean you *should*. It emphasizes the importance of choosing the simplest and most effective edits that serve the story, rather than overloading the piece with unnecessary elements to show off technical skills.

How can excessive technical elements, like VFX or fast cuts, negatively impact a story?

Excessive use of technical elements can distract from the core message of the story. Overuse of flashy effects and fast cuts can take away from emotional depth and clarity, making the viewer focus more on the technique than the narrative itself.

Why is simplicity sometimes more effective than complex edits in filmmaking?

Simplicity allows the story to shine through without distraction. In some cases, a simple sequence of cuts or a quiet moment can convey the intended message much more powerfully than complex visual effects or rapid pacing, as it allows the audience to connect emotionally with the content.

What lesson does the speaker share about 'Murder Your Darlings'?

'Murder Your Darlings' refers to the process of cutting unnecessary parts of an edit, but the speaker warns against over-trimming. While it’s important to remove redundant or non-essential moments, cutting too much can remove crucial emotional beats that are integral to the story.

How does 'Murder Your Darlings' apply to the editing process in real-world situations?

In real-world editing, 'Murder Your Darlings' is about finding a balance between trimming excess and preserving key emotional moments. For example, a moment of silence in a documentary might seem unnecessary to cut, but it can often be the most impactful moment, emphasizing the emotional weight of the scene.

What does the speaker mean by 'editing with your heart' rather than just your brain?

Editing with your heart means allowing your emotional intuition to guide your editing choices, rather than just relying on technical formulas or structures. The speaker suggests that while knowledge of editing techniques is important, true artistry comes from connecting emotionally with the content and allowing that feeling to shape the edit.

What personal experience did the speaker have with editing in collaboration with Logan Paul?

The speaker shared that working with Logan Paul from 2016 to 2022 was a deeply personal creative journey. Over time, they both grew creatively and developed their taste in filmmaking. This collaboration culminated in a project called '99 Originals', where the speaker edited not just with technical skill but with emotional depth to express the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye.

How does the speaker describe the significance of the Polaroid imagery in the last video they edited for Logan Paul?

In the final video, the speaker used Polaroids as a metaphor for timelines, representing the moments shared between them and Logan. As Logan floated in zero gravity surrounded by these Polaroids, it symbolized nostalgia and reflection on their shared past, and the final moments were edited to express the emotional weight of letting go.

What is the importance of emotional intelligence in editing, according to the speaker?

Emotional intelligence allows an editor to connect with the underlying emotions of the story and convey those feelings through the editing process. The speaker argues that relying solely on logic or technical knowledge is limiting, and that true artistry in editing comes from understanding and evoking emotions in the audience.

What advice does the speaker give to aspiring editors who want to develop their artistic skills?

The speaker advises aspiring editors to first learn the technical aspects of editing but then move beyond them. They should focus on developing emotional intelligence, editing with their heart, and creating work that expresses their personal creative voice. Editing should not just be about following formulas but about making a meaningful connection with the story and the audience.