Advance Editing Techniques?

[kikndrummer]

I'm not really searching for any one style or technique....but I've been using Final Cut and Avid for a few years now and have been finding myself using a lot of the same processes when I approach a new project. I have been searching for info online only to find your standard intro DVD's or forums talking more about hardware or basic editing.

I'm really looking more for methods on film editing or approaches to stylistic editing. ..just a few films to give an idea of what I'm thinking: The Ring, Domino, Amittyville Horror, Sin City.

I know these all mostly contain first off very nicely captured footage but also composites, various programs like after effects, combustion, shake etc. .....just curious to what others look too when they need inspiration.

Thanks!

 

[krestofre]

That's an interesting question ...

And it's hard to answer.

Personally I take great inspiration in how other people work. I'm not talking about what they produce, but how they produce it. I've spent a large amount of time studying the techniques of Walter Murch, whom I admire greatly. However after spending so much time learning about how he works, and even trying some of his techniques on projects, I learned that Murch and I don't work the same way.

Michael Kahn is another editor that comes to mind as working very differently from Murch, but obviously his results speak for themselves.

In short, I think that the answer to your question is to find your own beat, or pace, or muse, or whatever you call it.

If anything that I've said has made sense then you might want to check out these books:

"In the Blink of an Eye" by Walter Murch

"Behind the Seen" by Charles Koppelman

"Conversations. Walter Murch and the Art of Editing" by Michael Ondaatje

EDIT TO ADD: After re-reading your post a couple of times I think that "In the Blink of an Eye" will definitely get you started where you want to go. ANY editor should read "In the Blink of an Eye."

 

[kikndrummer]

Thank you for responding...I appreciate your input. I was not actually aware of Walter Murch until I picked up the Cutting Edge DVD....which I did like for it's info on film in general but was hoping to actually see a bit more of the editor in action.

I actually have seen the book you mentioned before online and will now order it thanks to your referral. As for Michael Kahn, I guess I'm a fan of him too and didn't realize it!! ...I checked him out on IMDB.com to find I have seen probably more than 10 or 15 of his movies which have been long time favorites of mine!

There is some amazing talent out there and I guess I'm trying to find materials and/or other forms of inspiration that have helped others to get to that level.

Thanks again,

 

[krestofre]

but was hoping to actually see a bit more of the editor in action.

In the Blink of an Eye is more editing theory, which I still highly recommend to you. For an actual trip inside another person's editing room then go for "Behind the Seen" A lot of the book is pro Final Cut Pro reporting, but it takes you through the entire post production process of Cold Mountain.

There are also some post production diaries on the Peter Jackson King Kong DVD that are worth watching.

I know there's a ton more material out there. I'm just drawing blanks at the moment. If I come up with more stuff I'll post it.

 

[kikndrummer]

"Behind the Seen" A lot of the book is pro Final Cut Pro reporting, but it takes you through the entire post production process of Cold Mountain.

Very cool, thanks again...I will check that one out as well. I actually have King Kong the movie and the Kong web diaries pack from Kongisking.net ......it's like a solid weekend of footage to watch but awesome stuff!....would have been awesome to be part of that project or any of the Ring's trilogy.

I think the materials your suggesting is probably more what I need....I'm mainly looking for better ways to use raw footage that I have available rather than just throw the latest and great plugin at it trying to make it look great. It's more the use of the footage on it's own and the story it conveys.