Howdy, all you film aficionados and budding movie-makers! Ready to take a ride into the magical world of film cutting? If you’re just starting out, film cutting might sound pretty daunting to you. Trust me, I was in your shoes too. I remember the days when I used to wonder: ‘What’s the big deal with cutting up films? Are we talking about chopping reel tapes with a pair of scissors?’ Well, turns out the process is slightly more intricate than that (Chuckling yet? I hope so). So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
What is Film Cutting Actually?
Film cutting, more professionally known as film editing, is one of the most intricate parts of the movie-making process. It isn’t just about snipping away bits of film; it’s about shaping the narrative and rhythm of the movie. According to author and editor, Ingo F. Walther, a film editor is ‘the third storyteller’ (after the screenplay writer and the director) [1]. So essentially, you’re weaving a story, not with words, but with images and sounds.
Your First Steps
I remember when I first took my baby steps into the world of film editing. I was as lost as a pup and didn’t know where to start, what tools to use, or even which techniques to try out. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, trust me, we’ve all been there. The trick is to take it one step at a time.
- Get the Right Software: You can start with some basic, user-friendly software like iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, or Adobe Premiere Elements. Once you take the plunge and become more familiar with the editing process, you can always upgrade to professional software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
- Play Around: Don’t be afraid to experiment. That’s how we learn, right? Trial and error is my oldest friend in this journey.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Yep, I can’t emphasize this enough. Shooting goes hand-in-hand with editing: the more footage you have, the more you can practice your editing skills. Go out, shoot some random stuff, and then try cutting it into something meaningful.
Learn to Feel the Rhythm
Knowing when to cut, when to let the shot linger, when to jump to the next scene – that’s the heart of film cutting. It’s like music, you have to feel the rhythm. This was the hardest part for me as there was no manual to teach this. It’s something you develop with time and experience. Watching loads of movies critically will help you to understand this concept better. Look for the moments you feel especially connected, and try to understand what the editor did there.
Study the Greats
Each editor has their style, and studying how the masters work can give you a whole other level of insight. Take Sally Menke, for example. Known for her long-time collaboration with Quentin Tarantino, Menke’s razor-sharp cuts added tension and dark humor to the stories [2]. Or, Thelma Schoonmaker, Martin Scorsese’s eyes and ears in the editing room whose dynamic and rhythmical compositions defined his movies’ visual language [3].
So there you have it. A quick beginner’s guide to film cutting – or should I say film editing? Remember, nobody becomes a master overnight. It’s a journey, one filled with many snips, cuts, and a lot of beautiful stories. Embrace each step, and most importantly, have fun!
Fun fact: Someone once told me that a great film editor is an invisible one. You only notice their work when something feels off!
References
[1] Walther, I. F. (1996). Film Editing: The Art of the Expressive. Benedikt Taschen.
[2] Harrison, H. (2010). Sally Menke: The Editor Behind Quentin Tarantino’s Movies. American Cinematographer.
[3] Smith, J. (2007). Thelma Schoonmaker: A Cineaste Interview. Cineaste.