Editing is where storytelling comes to life, transforming raw footage into a cohesive narrative that resonates with viewers. Whether in blockbuster films, creative commercials, or personal projects, it blends art and technique to create something truly unforgettable.

Readings and Writings

In Chapter Ten of The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video, Tom Schroeppel focuses on what happens after filming: the editing process. This is where raw footage is transformed into a story that keeps the audience’s attention and pulls emotions from the audience. 

Editing is more than removing mistakes or trimming excess footage, it’s about selecting the right shots and assembling them in a way that flows naturally. Schroeppel highlights how each cut should feel deliberate, guiding the audience through the story in a seamless way.

A key concept covered in this chapter is continuity. Schroeppel explains that continuity editing keeps the story smooth and logical, helping viewers engage in the world of the film without getting distracted by unnatural jumps or changes.

For instance, if a character is walking from left to right in one shot, they should continue moving in that direction in the next shot. Small details, like the position of props or the direction of movement, play a big role in creating continuity. Good editing respects these details to maintain the viewer’s focus on the story rather than on inconsistencies that could pull them out of the experience.

Schroeppel also introduces the technical tools and techniques involved in the editing process. From working on a timeline to using cuts and transitions, each tool has a purpose. 

The timeline is where editors can arrange the footage in sequence, experimenting with the pacing and rhythm of each scene. Rhythm, Schroeppel notes, is important to keep the audience engaged. Fast cuts might work well in action scenes to create excitement, while slower transitions can add tension or depth in a dramatic moment. 

Schroeppel emphasizes that editing choices impact the audience’s emotional response and that good editing is as much about feeling as it is about technique. This balance of art and skill is what shapes a memorable visual story.

Research to Inform

“Star Wars: A New Hope” (1977) – Scene Transitions

Throughout the film, iconic clock wipe transitions are used to move between scenes. These clock wipes, where one scene pushes the previous one off the screen, average about 1-2 seconds. This unique style gives the film a distinctive, almost comic-book feel, setting it apart from traditional editing techniques.

“The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” (2006) – Drift Race Scene

This scene features a mix of fast and moderately paced edits, with shots ranging from 2 to 4 seconds. The editor uses a combination of hard cuts and occasional dissolves to transition between different angles of the drifting cars. The varied pacing allows viewers to appreciate the skill involved in drifting while still conveying the excitement of the race. The editing style immerses the audience in the street racing culture of Tokyo.

Nike’s “You Can’t Stop Us” (2020)

This commercial features rapid editing, with shots averaging around 1-2 seconds each. The editor uses split-screen transitions, which seamlessly blend two different athletes or sports into a single frame. This technique emphasizes unity and resilience, reinforcing Nike’s message that sport brings people together, even in challenging times.

Create

Recently, I created a montage titled: Fall Into the Beauty of Change, my personal tribute to autumn’s beauty and transformation. This piece captures the season’s quiet charm—like the changing leaves and quiet shift—inviting viewers to reflect on fall as a time of change and peacefulness. 

Using Adobe Premiere Pro, my iPhone 14 Pro, and a tripod, I planned and shot various angles, experimenting with wide shots, extreme close-ups, and shallow depth of field to create different moods. Each choice, from the visuals to the music, worked together to tell a story that feels calm and reflective.

The editing process was just as exciting as filming. I recorded a voiceover to tie the shots together and added sound effects and ambient background music for that seamless feel I previously mentioned. Adjusting audio levels and transitions taught me how even small tweaks can elevate a project. Paying close attention to continuity was very important for this project in order to tell my story. 

Storytelling is not just about piecing clips together—it’s about creating emotion, rhythm, and meaning. This process has shown me how much of an impact small details can have on the audience’s experience, and it’s inspired me to keep experimenting and improving with every new project. 

View my work below:

References

Schroeppel, T. (2018). The Bare Bones Camera Course for film and video.