HOW-TO

Check out this article in the print edition of StudentFilmmakers Magazine, December 2008. Click here to get a copy and to subscribe >>

Back Edition Spotlight: December    2008, StudentFilmmakers MagazineWorkflow and Weaving the Story:
"Ten More Good Years"

Includes a Shortlist of Tips for Documentary Editing

by Jennifer Falk

...Continued from Previous Page

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This conference footage created the perfect arc for the final section of the film, integrating our characters with the impact of the conference on their community. We watched it down numerous times � adding new bytes, taking some bytes or smaller sections out, trying to keep focus on what our objective and �motivation� was. This is always the hardest part, since every byte and idea seems so important. But a great lesson I learned was that the viewer never knows and never misses what was left on the �editing room floor�. This conference footage created the perfect arc for the final section of the film, integrating our characters with the impact of the conference on their community. We watched it down numerous times � adding new bytes, taking some bytes or smaller sections out, trying to keep focus on what our objective and �motivation� was. This is always the hardest part, since every byte and idea seems so important. But a great lesson I learned was that the viewer never knows and never misses what was left on the �editing room floor�.


Shortlist of Tips for Documentary Editing:

(1) View all your material.

(2) Create transcripts of tapes. This will be used to create scripts.

(3) Find a beginning, middle, and end for your story.

(4) Be aware of unexpected links while creating your storyline.

(5) Don�t be �married to anything�. No one will know what�s not in the final cut.

(6) Keep your story moving forward.


Once we had a first version of our story, I left Mike to start covering the sound bytes. Once he had that done, he brought me in to give it a polish and make sure our pacing was on track. Of course there were screenings with friends and colleagues to get their opinions. We had a finished piece for Mike�s screening, but that was not the end of the project. Over the last year, �Ten More Good Years� was screened in over five film festivals and broadcast on the Sundance and Logo channels. I am extremely proud of the film and of the work that we did. As with most projects, I learned a lot. Most importantly is that each project has it�s own approach on what works best for the editor, director and the story they are trying to tell. Our approach though a little unorthodox was very effective.


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Check out this article in the December 2008 print edition of StudentFilmmakers magazine, pages 6 and 8. Click here to get a copy of the December 2008 Edition, so you can read and enjoy all of the excellent articles inside.

About the Author:

Author Jennifer FalkAs both an On-line and Off-line Editor, Jennifer Falk has worked for numerous clients including CBS (Upfront Presentation 2002-2006), ABC, Food Network (The Next Food Network Star 2007), A&E (Fathers & Sons in Hollywood, a two hour Biography special), History (Deep Sea Detective series), The Travel Channel, MTV, Comedy Central, Discovery Health (Supervising Editor for the National Body Challenge 2004 series), ESPN Classic Sports Network, Discovery/Animal Planet, and Sony Music. To learn more about the documentary, Ten More Good Years, go to www.10moregoodyears.com. Jennifer�s website is www.jennruggedit.com.

 

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