Digital Editing Techniques

Questions and Answers

What does a matched cut primarily aim to achieve in film editing?

Fade one shot into the next over a longer duration

Join two shots with matching compositional elements to establish continuity (correct)

Create an abrupt transition between unrelated shots

Introduce a lengthy take that extends over multiple scenes

Which editing technique involves the audience hearing audio from a shot before seeing it?

Montage

L Cut

J Cuts (correct)

Jump Cut

In terms of transitions, what is characteristic of a wipe?

It creates a sudden change by cutting away from one shot to another.

It connects two scenes using overlapping shots.

It is a transition between shots involving a visible pattern or element. (correct)

It involves a gradual increase in sound and visuals.

What is the main purpose of a montage in film editing?

To condense a narrative and evoke emotional impact through juxtaposed shots. Signup and view all the answers

Which editing technique is characterized by an interruption in continuity due to omitted action?

Jump Cut Signup and view all the answers

How does an eyeline match effectively function within film editing?

It connects a character's gaze to an off-screen object in the next shot. Signup and view all the answers

What is a rough cut in the context of film editing?

The first editing pass that compiles the best shots. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'continuity editing' refer to in film editing?

A technique to maintain a clear and linear flow of action. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a 'continuity error'?

Elements in a scene that mismatch across shots. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of cross cutting in film editing?

To give the illusion of simultaneous action across storylines. Signup and view all the answers

In video editing, what does a 'cut' refer to?

A transition where one shot is immediately followed by another. Signup and view all the answers

Which filmmaker is quoted regarding the essence of cinema being editing?

Francis Ford Coppola Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of a great video editor beyond technical skill?

To tell engaging stories using editing techniques. Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is used to create the illusion of parallel actions in separate storylines?

Cross cutting Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT considered a benefit of continuity editing?

Enhancing the emotional impact through disjointed pacing. Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for the portable hard drive used in the course?

It should have USB 3 connectivity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a listed objective of the course?

Develop advanced animation skills. Signup and view all the answers

Regarding the headphones requirement, what type is preferred for use in the lab?

Over the ear headphones are preferred. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of portable hard drives recommended for students?

Two. Signup and view all the answers

What type of access will enrolled students have to the Carmichael Lab?

24/7 access will be provided. Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT introduced in the course as part of the curriculum?

Live action directing. Signup and view all the answers

What format must the portable hard drives be formatted to for optimal use?

MAC OS Extended (journaled). Signup and view all the answers

What should a student do if they experience a situation resulting in extended absence?

Contact the instructor to make arrangements for their instructional needs. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a student's letter grade for each day an assignment is late?

A letter grade will be dropped for every day the work is late. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of posting midterm grades?

To inform students of their performance up to that point. Signup and view all the answers

What should a student include when emailing the instructor?

Their full name, course number, and availability. Signup and view all the answers

According to the guidelines, how often does the instructor check emails?

Once a day during weekdays. Signup and view all the answers

What does the university emphasize regarding academic integrity?

All members of the academic community share the responsibility for integrity. Signup and view all the answers

What should a student do if they are facing barriers to class participation due to a disability?

Contact the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services for assistance. Signup and view all the answers

What should students avoid doing with course materials shared on Canvas?

Post them online or share electronically outside the class. Signup and view all the answers

How can students seek help for mental health issues impacting their learning?

By utilizing the Student Health Services and Counseling Center. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary software used in the Editing 1 class?

Adobe Premiere Pro Signup and view all the answers

What type of editing exercise is expected to demonstrate an understanding of color correction?

Lumetri exercise Signup and view all the answers

In the course, what is the purpose of the Sound Redesign Project?

To change the sound design of an existing scene Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a student to pass the course and count it towards their major or minor?

A minimum of a C grade Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following exercises specifically involves the use of keyframes?

Key Frame exercise Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the workshops and learning exercises in this course?

They should be completed within two weeks after being released. Signup and view all the answers

What is the grade breakdown percentage for quizzes and tests in this course?

15% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the software subscription requirements?

All UNCG students can use the shared-device license. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect of producing a film essay as a final project?

Adhering to provided instructions for creation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key objective of MST 375: Editing I?

Developing practical editing skills in pacing and shot selection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the course's technical requirements?

At least one portable hard drive with USB 3 connectivity Signup and view all the answers

How often are office hours for the instructor of the course held?

Monday and Wednesday by appointment only Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key elements introduced in the Editing I course curriculum?

Color grading Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is mentioned as a necessity when working in the Carmichael Computer Lab?

Wear headphones while working Signup and view all the answers

What is the format required for the portable hard drives used in the course?

MAC OS Extended (journaled) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the course schedule?

The course meets on Tuesdays from 9:30 am to 11:45 am. Signup and view all the answers

Which assignment requires students to create a new sound design for an existing scene?

Sound Redesign Project Signup and view all the answers

Students are expected to complete workshops and learning exercises primarily to develop which skill set?

Technical competencies Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a student to receive a passing grade in this course?

A grade of C or better Signup and view all the answers

What does the course emphasize regarding the handling of course materials shared on Canvas?

Students should avoid sharing materials. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum length for the continuity editing project within the course?

2 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which of these software applications is primarily used in the Editing 1 class?

Adobe Premiere Pro Signup and view all the answers

Which grading component accounts for the largest percentage in the overall course evaluation?

Assignments Signup and view all the answers

What is a type of exercise that requires students to demonstrate an understanding of compositing?

Compositing exercise Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the shared-device Adobe Creative Cloud license is true?

It is accessible in managed labs and classrooms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence for each day an assignment is submitted late?

The student's overall grade will decrease by one letter grade. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of posting midterm grades?

To assist students and advisors in evaluating course progress. Signup and view all the answers

What should a student do if experiencing barriers due to a disability?

Contact the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services for assistance. Signup and view all the answers

How frequently does the instructor check emails during the weekdays?

Once a day. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT considered an appropriate salutation when emailing the professor?

Hi, Signup and view all the answers

What is an expected behavior regarding the sharing of course materials?

Course materials can only be used for educational purposes within the class. Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested approach for a student who finds their midterm grade unsatisfactory?

Discuss the grade with the professor to create a plan for improvement. Signup and view all the answers

How can students access mental health support services on campus?

By calling the appropriate health services or visiting the Student Health Center. Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as a critical aspect of media making in the course?

The importance of public feedback to improve work. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Film Editing Fundamentals

Editing is crucial in film, emphasized by Francis Ford Coppola’s quote, “The essence of cinema is editing.”
Film editors are not just technical experts but also storytellers who craft engaging narratives.

Essential Film Editing Terms

Cut: Immediate transition from one shot to another.
Continuity Editing: Maintains a coherent flow of action and space across shots.
Continuity Error: Inconsistencies in action or elements within shots, such as a damaged object appearing undamaged later.
Cross Cutting: Alternates between two actions occurring simultaneously to create suspense or related narratives.
Cutaway: Interrupts the main action with a related shot to provide context or detail.
Dissolve: Gradual transition where one shot blends into the next.
Editing: The process of selecting and combining raw footage to form a complete film.
Establishing Shot: Sets the scene’s location, often using wide-angle perspectives.
Eyeline Match: Shows what a character is looking at, aligning viewer perception with on-screen actions.
Fade: Visual transition that gradually brightens or darkens a screen, indicating shifts in time or location.
Iris: Circular wipe transition; historically common but rarely used in modern cinema.
J Cuts: Audio from the next scene precedes its visual introduction.
Jump Cut: Abrupt transitions that break continuity, skipping over parts of the action.
L Cut: The audio from the previous scene continues into the next visual scene.
Matched Cut: Joins two shots with similar visual elements to ensure continuity.
Montage: Rapid sequence of shots intended to condense time or enhance emotion.
Roll: Text or graphics moving up or down the screen, commonly used for credits.
Rough Cut: Initial edit that forms the basis for further refinement.
Sequence Shot: Extended single shot covering a complete scene or sequence.
Shot Reverse Shot: Alternates between shots of different characters in dialogue, typically seen over the shoulder.
Sweetening: Enhancing audio through effects, music, or sound additions.
Wipe: Transition revealing new shots through visible patterns; prevalent in early cinema.

Learning Opportunities

NYFA offers rigorous courses in digital editing, including hands-on workshops in AVID Media Composer and Adobe Premiere Pro.
Programs are designed to provide practical skills in storytelling and technical editing techniques for aspiring filmmakers.

Course Overview

Course Code: MST 375
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: MST 271 or instructor's permission
Meeting Time: Tuesdays, 9:30 am – 11:45 am
Location: Carmichael 002 (Computer Lab)

Instructor Information

Name: Paula Damasceno
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday/Wednesday, 1 pm-4 pm (By appointment only)

Course Description

Focus on practical editing skills including pacing, shot selection, and post-production workflow.

Learning Objectives

Develop competency with editing software and equipment.
Gain knowledge of the post-production workflow.
Introduce elements like color grading, compositing, sound design, and mixing.
Build creative experience in post-production work.

Technical Requirements

One portable hard drive required (two recommended for editing and original media storage).
Drives must support USB 3.0 and be formatted as MAC OS Extended (journaled).
Headphones recommended (over-ear type preferred, not earbuds) for lab work.

Required Texts

Selected works by Sergei Eisenstein.
"Soundscape: The School of Sound Lectures, 1998-2001."
Walter Murch's readings on editing.

Software Requirements

Adobe Premiere Pro is the primary editing software used.
Shared-device Adobe Creative Cloud license available; does not include personal cloud storage.
Computers equipped with Adobe Premiere Pro are accessible in departmental labs and the Jackson Library Digital Media Commons.

Course Activities

Workshops and exercises to develop core technological skills, due within two weeks of release.
Technical assignments that apply skills learned in class.

Major Projects and Assignments

Identify various editing styles through assignments such as Montage, Continuity Editing, Music Video Editing, and Sound Redesign.
Final Project: Creation of a film essay following provided instructions.

Grading Breakdown

Participation: 5%
Workshops: 20%
Quizzes/Tests: 15%
Assignments: 50%
Final Project: 10%
Minimum grade of C required for credit towards major or minor.

Attendance and Policies

Work must be submitted on specified due dates; late work incurs grade penalties.
Modules and assignments open for two weeks; communication with instructor encouraged for absences.

Academic Integrity

Strong emphasis on academic honesty; violations can affect all community members.
Students must familiarize themselves with academic integrity policies.

Health and Wellness Support

A range of health resources available for physical and mental health issues impacting learning.
Important contact information provided for various support services available on campus.

Final Notes

Use of course materials is strictly for educational purposes; do not share outside the class.
Email etiquette is emphasized for correspondence with the professor.
Additional support available for students with disabilities through the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services.