Film Editing

This module explores the role of editing as a core element of the film-making process, through a combination of creative exercises and close film analysis.

Through hands-on work, students will explore how combining images can fulfil a wide variety of functions including shaping story, guiding point of view, creating emotional affect and aesthetic effects, and generating meaning.

As well as focusing specifically on the work carried out by the film/video editor, the module also engages with 'editing' as an approach to shaping raw material that extends across all aspects of film production: from screenwriting, through directing, to post-production.

The module will situate this focus within the broader context of ‘montage’ and ‘collage’ as principles that extend across diverse art forms including painting, sculpture, photography, literature, music, and digital media.

A series of practical exercises will be contextualised through lectures focusing on the editing choices made in a variety of fiction, documentary, experimental, found footage, and/or interactive films.

These exercises will provide students with an opportunity to engage creatively with, and reflect critically on, pre-existing moving images in a range of applications from traditional continuity editing, through documentary ‘storytelling’, to experimental montage.

Details

Contact Hours

Contact hours: 30
Private Study hours: 270
Total Study hours: 300

Method of Assessment

Main assessment methods:

35% - 2,500 word essay
65% - editing portfolio

Reassessment methods:
Like-for-Like

Indicative Reading

Indicative Reading List:

Aumont, Jacques. 1987. Montage Eisenstein. London: British Film Institute.
Debord, Guy, and Gil J. Wolman. 2006 [1956]. "A User's Guide to Détournement." Edited and translated by K. Knabb. Bureau of Public Secrets http://www.bopsecrets.org/SI/detourn.html
Dmytryk, Edward. 1984. On Film Editing: An Introduction to the Art of Film Construction. New York: Taylor & Francis.
Kuleshov, Lev Vladimirovich. 1974. Kuleshov on Film: Writings. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Murch, Walter. 2001. In the Blink of an Eye: A Perspective on Film Editing. Los Angeles: Silman-James Press.
Reisz, Karel. 2010 [1953]. The Technique of Film Editing. New York: Taylor & Francis.
Rohdie, Sam. 2006. Montage. Manchester: Manchester University Press.

Learning Outcomes

The intended subject specific learning outcomes.On successfully completing the module students will be able to:

• Produce practical work that demonstrates understanding of and insight into theoretical and conceptual issues raised in previous undergraduate film modules (both practice and non-practice based).
• Make proficient use of post-production technologies including for example Adobe Premiere, in order to edit, sound mix, add graphics to, and colour correct pre-existing video footage.
• Create effective narrative and non-narrative structures through editing pre-existing footage.
• Identify and critique a range of film-making techniques associated with editing, including the shaping of narrative, the creation of meaning, and the generation of emotional affects.
• Use video-making and editing as research methodologies for interrogating film form.

The intended generic learning outcomes.On successfully completing the module students will be able to:

• Work flexibly, creatively, and independently, demonstrating self-discipline and time-management skills.
• Engage in small group collaboration, showing abilities at different times to listen, contribute and lead effectively.
• Integrate theoretical discourse with creative practice.
• Formulate research questions and employ appropriate methods and resources for exploring those questions.
• Communicate effectively and clearly - orally, in writing, and/or through the use of audiovisual media.
• Critically reflect upon their own and others' work.