The 7 Laws of Film Editing

Summary

This video dives into the art of film editing, featuring insights from industry veteran Vashi Nedomansky, ACE. Vashi discusses essential editing techniques such as thoroughly reviewing raw footage, fostering a positive relationship with directors, organizing clips efficiently, and managing time for renders and errors. He emphasizes experimenting with unconventional cuts, focusing on seamless audio, and balancing both the micro and macro aspects of the film. Drawing from his own experiences in Hollywood, Vashi offers valuable advice for editors, encouraging them to continuously improve their craft and maintain a long-lasting career.

Takeaways

• 😃 Vashi Nedomansky emphasizes the importance of watching all raw footage at least twice before starting to edit, first for a visceral experience and then for analysis.
• 🎬 Building a strong relationship with the director is crucial for a successful editing process, as you spend long hours together.
• 🗂️ Organization is key to successful editing, allowing editors to find shots instantly and avoid frustrating delays for directors.
• ⏳ Always account for extra time for rendering, exports, and unexpected technical issues to avoid mistakes and delays.
• 💡 Attempt edits that seem like they shouldn't work; you may be surprised by the results.
• 🎶 Audio plays a vital role in editing, serving as the 'glue' that binds scenes together, with seamless transitions being critical.
• 👁️ Balance the micro and macro perspectives in editing, focusing on individual scenes while considering their impact on the overall film.
• 🎥 Vashi recommends getting the intent of the film early from the director and referencing other films for tone and style.
• 🔄 Everything in editing is adjustable, and experimenting with different approaches can lead to better results.
• 📋 Beginners should avoid jumping into cutting scenes too quickly without fully understanding the footage, as it can lead to poor decisions.

Q & A

Who is Vashi Nedomansky and what are his achievements as highlighted in the script?

Vashi Nedomansky is an editor who has worked on 11 Hollywood films, including 'Sharknado 2'. He has also consulted on the editing workflow of films like 'Gone Girl' and 'Deadpool'. In 2018, he was inducted into the American Cinema Editor Society, and he developed the 'Seven Commandments to Become a Better Editor'.

What tool does Vashi Nedomansky recommend for analyzing and editing films?

Vashi recommends using DaVinci Resolve, particularly the Auto Scene Detection feature, which helps in finding every edit point and creating a cut. He uses it to analyze the most iconic frames and the individual components of a film.

Why does Vashi stress the importance of watching all the raw footage twice?

Vashi emphasizes watching all the raw footage twice because the first viewing allows for a visceral, emotional experience, while the second time is for making detailed notes and paying attention to technical elements. This approach helps editors understand the footage fully before they start editing.

How should an editor establish a good working relationship with a director, according to Vashi?

An editor should build a nurturing, positive relationship with a director. Vashi suggests being calm and creating a welcoming work environment where solutions can be found. The editor should also understand the director's intent and references for the film to communicate more effectively.

What advice does Vashi give about organization in editing?

Vashi stresses the importance of organizing the workflow early on so that any shot can be found instantly. He believes that good organization saves time, especially when working with a large amount of footage, and makes the editing process smoother for both the editor and the director.

What mistakes does Vashi highlight that beginning editors often make?

Vashi points out that beginning editors often start cutting too early after seeing one good shot, which leads them to edit themselves into a corner. He advises becoming thoroughly familiar with the footage before starting to edit, rather than jumping to conclusions.

What does Vashi mean by 'attempt edits that shouldn't work'?

Vashi encourages editors to try unconventional edits, even ones that may seem illogical. He believes that surprising results can often come from experimenting with different cuts, which may lead to better outcomes than anticipated.

Why does Vashi emphasize the importance of spending more time on audio in the editing process?

Vashi believes audio is the glue of an edit and plays a crucial role in making the footage immersive and fluid. He stresses that even small details like applying cross dissolves to prevent clicks and pops can make a significant difference in the overall quality.

What is Vashi's advice regarding planning for renders, exports, and potential technical issues?

Vashi advises editors to factor in extra time for renders, exports, and unexpected technical issues. He suggests starting the final process earlier than expected to avoid mistakes, such as missing deadlines or sending incomplete files for screenings.

How should an editor balance the focus between individual scenes and the overall film?

Vashi emphasizes that while an editor should focus on cutting a scene effectively, they must also keep the entire film in mind. Each edit should fit the tone and context of the larger narrative, requiring a constant balance between micro and macro perspectives.