Unit 16: Film and Video Editing Techniques - Preparation for Editing

The editing of something is a very crucial step that can either make a good movie or make a bad movie depending on how well it is done. The difference between good and bad editing is usually related to how long is spent on the edit, and how well it was prepared for.

When someone edits something, they need to think of several things before starting. They need to have had checked the footage (ideally this will have been done on set and after shooting, as well) to make sure that there are no errors in the lighting, background, sound or continuity between shots. They need to make sure it's imported correctly, as well as producing folders on a computer for the different scenes to be stored in for storage purposes, and producing some form of list to state what editing techniques intend to be used. Once these steps are finished, the footage is available to be edited, and with all this out the way there is a set plan in place for the editing and there is little need for someone to spend the time in the editing suite changing certain things or working with incorrect footage, as there will be a set list of footage that is intended for use as well as a list of editing methods intended for use.

As can be seen in the picture, each scene of the video is segregated into a different folder, so that it can kept separate from between scenes and so as not to mix the scenes together and cause footage intended for the 7th scene to be mixed with footage intended for the 2nd scene, for example.

The difference between this and bad editing is that it can be done quickly and efficiently in less time and to a higher degree of quality because they took the time necessary to make sure they knew what was intended for the edit and how to edit it to a higher standard to the criteria desired to make the footage the best it can be.

Most editors will ensure that footage is checked during and after shooting, as well as checking it themselves before importing it to make sure no incorrect footage is included, as it will save time from having to look through a backlog of footage to find the specific one intended for use. This is also why they tend to have folders of the footage set in place so that they know what is intended for use and not.

Many of these factors contribute to the main differences between a good and bad edit and it shows the importance of being prepared for editing before the editing begins to make the final product appear better. While other things can be considered such as a filing system for tapes or SD cards, marking scripts or making logs, it is crucial, in many ways, to make sure that you at least prepare to the extent of checking footage and import settings.