The craft of editing
Video editing, from the first cut to the final rhythm
Logging gets you organised; this is what happens next. Four deep-dive guides on the craft of the edit itself: building the first assembly, finding the rhythm, and the specifics of cutting documentary and music video.
By Hanna Eng·Video editor, Free Conservatory of French Cinema
Footage organised, the real work begins: the edit. This is where a pile of rushes becomes a film with rhythm, structure and intent. No tool does it for you, and no template fits every story. This guide maps the craft of the cut and links to a focused, factual deep-dive for each part.
The craft, step by step
- 1From logged footage to the first cutThe paper edit, the string-out and the first assembly: how a long, rough first cut becomes the foundation you tighten everything from.Read the guide→
- 2Find the rhythm of the cutWhy you cut (emotion first), cutting on action, J-cuts and L-cuts, and how music and sound drive the pace of the picture.Read the guide→
- 3Edit a documentaryFinding the story in the rushes, working with interviews and verite, archive and B-roll, and locking picture before the mix.Read the guide→
- 4Edit a music videoCutting to the beat, syncing performance takes, multicam, and matching the editing energy to the structure of the song.Read the guide→
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