David Hoffman | What Makes A Great Video Editor Says David Hoffman @DavidHoffmanFilmmaker | Uploaded August 2024 | Updated October 2024, 4 hours ago.
I have been a film and video editor for more than 60 years. I was very good at it. But the great editors that I worked with had qualities that I didn't have as a Director. If you'd like to see this entire video and more of my thoughts and instructions, go here - youtu.be/yCPmeVC51s8.
A great film or video editor possesses a unique set of qualities and skills that contribute to the storytelling and overall impact of a film.
An editor must have a strong sense of storytelling. This involves understanding the narrative structure, pacing, and rhythm of a film. A great editor knows how to enhance the emotional arc of a story by making strategic decisions about which shots to use, how long to hold on them, and when to cut.
Editors must pay close attention to every frame of footage. This includes catching continuity errors, ensuring smooth transitions between shots, and maintaining consistency in lighting, color, and sound.
Being proficient in editing software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, or Final Cut Pro) is essential. A great editor understands how to use these tools effectively to manipulate footage, add effects, and refine audio.
Editors often have to think creatively to solve problems, such as covering up mistakes or enhancing a scene's impact. They need to have a good visual sense and an instinct for what works on screen.
Editing is a collaborative process. Editors work closely with directors, producers, and sometimes writers to bring a vision to life. Effective communication and the ability to take direction and offer suggestions are key to successful collaboration.
Editing can be a time-consuming and meticulous process. A great editor needs patience to go through hours of footage and make subtle adjustments until the final cut is perfect.
The ability to adapt to changes and solve unexpected problems is crucial. Whether it's dealing with missing footage, fixing technical issues, or making last-minute changes, an editor must be flexible and resourceful.
A great editor understands the importance of music and sound in a film. They know how to use sound effects, dialogue, and score to complement the visuals and enhance the mood and emotion of a scene.
Can Directors, Producers, or Writers Be Great Editors?
While directors, producers, and writers can have valuable insights into the editing process due to their deep understanding of the story and vision, editing typically requires a distinct set of skills. Some directors, like Steven Soderbergh, who has edited several of his own films under the pseudonym Mary Ann Bernard, have demonstrated great editing skills. However, many directors rely on professional editors to bring a fresh perspective to the footage.
Editing requires a combination of technical proficiency and creative insight that may not necessarily align with the skills of directing, producing, or writing. Editors often bring an objective eye that is not tied to the original vision of the script or the complexities of the shoot, allowing them to make cuts that best serve the story rather than the original plan.
Examples of Great Editing
"Psycho" (1960) - Edited by George Tomasini
The famous shower scene is a masterclass in editing. With quick cuts and precise timing, Tomasini created a sense of chaos and terror that remains iconic.
"The French Connection" (1971) - Edited by Gerald B. Greenberg
The car chase scene is widely regarded as one of the greatest in film history. The editing's pacing and rhythm build tension and keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
"Raging Bull" (1980) - Edited by Thelma Schoonmaker
The boxing scenes in "Raging Bull" are a great example of how editing can be used to convey a character's psychological state. Schoonmaker's editing perfectly captures the brutal, chaotic nature of Jake LaMotta's fights.
"Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015) - Edited by Margaret Sixel
The film’s fast-paced, kinetic editing is crucial to its non-stop action sequences. Sixel’s work ensures that despite the rapid cuts, the geography of the action is always clear, and the narrative is constantly driving forward.
"Dunkirk" (2017) - Edited by Lee Smith
"Dunkirk" uses a non-linear narrative, and the editing is essential in weaving together three different timelines. Lee Smith’s editing maintains tension and continuity across these intersecting timelines.
So while directors, producers, and writers can certainly have a great understanding of the editing process, being a great editor often requires a unique blend of creative, technical, and collaborative skills that are distinct from those required in other filmmaking roles. Great editing is not just about cutting footage but shaping a film's narrative, pacing, and emotional impact.
I have been a film and video editor for more than 60 years. I was very good at it. But the great editors that I worked with had qualities that I didn't have as a Director. If you'd like to see this entire video and more of my thoughts and instructions, go here - youtu.be/yCPmeVC51s8.
A great film or video editor possesses a unique set of qualities and skills that contribute to the storytelling and overall impact of a film.
An editor must have a strong sense of storytelling. This involves understanding the narrative structure, pacing, and rhythm of a film. A great editor knows how to enhance the emotional arc of a story by making strategic decisions about which shots to use, how long to hold on them, and when to cut.
Editors must pay close attention to every frame of footage. This includes catching continuity errors, ensuring smooth transitions between shots, and maintaining consistency in lighting, color, and sound.
Being proficient in editing software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, or Final Cut Pro) is essential. A great editor understands how to use these tools effectively to manipulate footage, add effects, and refine audio.
Editors often have to think creatively to solve problems, such as covering up mistakes or enhancing a scene's impact. They need to have a good visual sense and an instinct for what works on screen.
Editing is a collaborative process. Editors work closely with directors, producers, and sometimes writers to bring a vision to life. Effective communication and the ability to take direction and offer suggestions are key to successful collaboration.
Editing can be a time-consuming and meticulous process. A great editor needs patience to go through hours of footage and make subtle adjustments until the final cut is perfect.
The ability to adapt to changes and solve unexpected problems is crucial. Whether it's dealing with missing footage, fixing technical issues, or making last-minute changes, an editor must be flexible and resourceful.
A great editor understands the importance of music and sound in a film. They know how to use sound effects, dialogue, and score to complement the visuals and enhance the mood and emotion of a scene.
Can Directors, Producers, or Writers Be Great Editors?
While directors, producers, and writers can have valuable insights into the editing process due to their deep understanding of the story and vision, editing typically requires a distinct set of skills. Some directors, like Steven Soderbergh, who has edited several of his own films under the pseudonym Mary Ann Bernard, have demonstrated great editing skills. However, many directors rely on professional editors to bring a fresh perspective to the footage.
Editing requires a combination of technical proficiency and creative insight that may not necessarily align with the skills of directing, producing, or writing. Editors often bring an objective eye that is not tied to the original vision of the script or the complexities of the shoot, allowing them to make cuts that best serve the story rather than the original plan.
Examples of Great Editing
"Psycho" (1960) - Edited by George Tomasini
The famous shower scene is a masterclass in editing. With quick cuts and precise timing, Tomasini created a sense of chaos and terror that remains iconic.
"The French Connection" (1971) - Edited by Gerald B. Greenberg
The car chase scene is widely regarded as one of the greatest in film history. The editing's pacing and rhythm build tension and keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
"Raging Bull" (1980) - Edited by Thelma Schoonmaker
The boxing scenes in "Raging Bull" are a great example of how editing can be used to convey a character's psychological state. Schoonmaker's editing perfectly captures the brutal, chaotic nature of Jake LaMotta's fights.
"Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015) - Edited by Margaret Sixel
The film’s fast-paced, kinetic editing is crucial to its non-stop action sequences. Sixel’s work ensures that despite the rapid cuts, the geography of the action is always clear, and the narrative is constantly driving forward.
"Dunkirk" (2017) - Edited by Lee Smith
"Dunkirk" uses a non-linear narrative, and the editing is essential in weaving together three different timelines. Lee Smith’s editing maintains tension and continuity across these intersecting timelines.
So while directors, producers, and writers can certainly have a great understanding of the editing process, being a great editor often requires a unique blend of creative, technical, and collaborative skills that are distinct from those required in other filmmaking roles. Great editing is not just about cutting footage but shaping a film's narrative, pacing, and emotional impact.
