Jim Brennan
VHS Member Old Skool
DVXuser has grown quite a bit since I first joined. It has gone from being a board of tech people, justifiably drooling over an amazing camera, to arguably the most comprehensive online resource for filmmakers. Most recently I noticed we have added forums for Art Direction and Acting. Based on my experience with indie films, those are two subjects that many could use an education in.
One forum we don't have is editing. Sure we have ones for FCP, Premiere, Vegas...etc. But those are tools. It's sort of like having workshops for a saws, hammers and screwdrivers, but not one for carpentry, which is the purpose for the tools in the first place.
I'm not suggesting an editing forum. Honestly, having read lots of books on the subject, it's something that can be learned, but aside from some basic precepts, is difficult to teach without a hands-on experience. I would spend as much time there as i do in the screenwriting or directing forums, which is almost none.
I'm just mentioning it as a sort of reminder at how tool-centered we are at times. I realize that tools are important, and often in this digital age, specific tools are necessary for certain situations. You can't work with RED footage on a non-intel mac. That's just the way it is. But what is most important?
Editing is about flow, pacing, revelation and exploration. In my work I am often engaged in every part of the process, anywhere from concept to completion. Whether we are working on an indie feature or a PSA for the state, I might write, shoot, light, do audio, or some combination. But I spend most of my billable hours at my editing suite. Frankly it is probably the most enjoyable, frustrating and creative part of what I do.
And that has nothing to do with the fact that I edit in Final Cut.
This tool centered phenomenon is not new on these boards, nor is it isolated to editing. I have heard Matt, Wabbit, Barry and others preach that a great soundman with a decent mic is better than a great mic and a decent soundman. And that has been applied to lighting and camerawork as well.
I just noticed that editing as a craft has been overlooked,, with knowledge and debate of the tools as a substitute.
Now, I have to go edit. Thanks for listening.
One forum we don't have is editing. Sure we have ones for FCP, Premiere, Vegas...etc. But those are tools. It's sort of like having workshops for a saws, hammers and screwdrivers, but not one for carpentry, which is the purpose for the tools in the first place.
I'm not suggesting an editing forum. Honestly, having read lots of books on the subject, it's something that can be learned, but aside from some basic precepts, is difficult to teach without a hands-on experience. I would spend as much time there as i do in the screenwriting or directing forums, which is almost none.
I'm just mentioning it as a sort of reminder at how tool-centered we are at times. I realize that tools are important, and often in this digital age, specific tools are necessary for certain situations. You can't work with RED footage on a non-intel mac. That's just the way it is. But what is most important?
Editing is about flow, pacing, revelation and exploration. In my work I am often engaged in every part of the process, anywhere from concept to completion. Whether we are working on an indie feature or a PSA for the state, I might write, shoot, light, do audio, or some combination. But I spend most of my billable hours at my editing suite. Frankly it is probably the most enjoyable, frustrating and creative part of what I do.
And that has nothing to do with the fact that I edit in Final Cut.
This tool centered phenomenon is not new on these boards, nor is it isolated to editing. I have heard Matt, Wabbit, Barry and others preach that a great soundman with a decent mic is better than a great mic and a decent soundman. And that has been applied to lighting and camerawork as well.
I just noticed that editing as a craft has been overlooked,, with knowledge and debate of the tools as a substitute.
Now, I have to go edit. Thanks for listening.
