The movie is edited now what!?

[Evan S]

So I have my first short film edited, just the rough draft. Not really close to a final edit. The question is how do I take my 22 minute film and condense it down into a smaller run time say 10 to 15 minutes? Assuming, for instance shorter is better. Although I think the information shown is important, and it's hard for me to cut it out. Am I underestimating my audiences intelligence if I show to much information? I'm afraid if I don't show enough they wont get the premise.

So the point is, to cut or not to cut!?

 

[Huy Vu]

Have a screening of a small group of friends. Then it'll become really obvious what needs to be cut.

 

[MichaelP]

Have a screening with peole who are not your friends and it will become even more obvious.

Michael

 

[William_Robinette]

Yup. Sometimes I don't even need feedback for the first edit. Just sitting in a room with people is enough and my gut tells me what needs to be cut, shortened, etc.

 

[David W. Richardson]

Have a screening with filmmakers or screenwriters. That should do the trick.

 

[grinner]

just gp from the top subtractivly, removing the least best stuff. If it makes it weasier, duplicate your first sequence first but there is no other way to do it but to tear into it.

 

[dory_breaux]

Have a screaning with a few friends and a few other filmakers in your area. Then ask for their feedback.

 

[moonlitnite]

So I have my first short film edited, just the rough draft. Not really close to a final edit. The question is how do I take my 22 minute film and condense it down into a smaller run time say 10 to 15 minutes? Assuming, for instance shorter is better. Although I think the information shown is important, and it's hard for me to cut it out. Am I underestimating my audiences intelligence if I show to much information? I'm afraid if I don't show enough they wont get the premise.

So the point is, to cut or not to cut!?

Hi Evan,

But why cut the short down to 10-15 minutes at all? Shorter isn't always better (just most of the time). Even without seeing the film, if you offered us the script we could give you a fair estimate whether something should be cut or not. Hopefully you're not cutting important subplots, character development, interesting/enlightening dialog, etc. Certainly 22 minutes isn't necessarily too much information for an audience (not sure where you got that idea). OTOH, if you begin cutting out critical scences and lose continuity, the audience will certainly dislike your film no matter how short you cut it.

Good luck, Michael