Unit 16 Editing Blog - Task 2

Task 2
Be able to prepare moving image material for editing

Preparation Techniques

          By having preparation techniques before filming has begun, it helps to make the whole production run a lot smoother than if you went into it without preparation. A film will run into a lot of problems if no preparation has been done, which will take a lot longer to film let alone plan the whole thing. By preparing efficiently and thoroughly, you can make a much more well-rounded production and ultimately a better piece of media.

          One important piece of preparation to do is make sure is logging your shot. This is done on a logging form as shown below:

          This is essential while filming as afterwards you can look back at your logging form and see which shots were shot when and how many take were done but most importantly what take are useable. This is probably the most important part as it allows the editor to see the logging form and look at the specific takes to use in the edit.

          This brings us on to a rushes log, which is very similar to the logging form, however it is specific to what is stated above. Sometimes logging forms and rushes logs are combined to save time and money however keeping them separate helps to keep it simple and understandable to someone who isn’t used to dealing with these 2 pieces of information. Rushes log simply is a list of useable shots from a day of filming. This is done so you know what takes you want to use in the edit and why you wish to use them. It helps with time management and also helps the editor understand what he is meant to be editing.

          An edit decision list is used specifically in post-production during the editing process. It usually contains a list with ordered reels and timecodes, which helps the editor know where the take starts and finishes. This will speed up editing as the editor will look at the list of reels ad timecodes and easily be able to not only get the start and finish just how the director wants it, it also helps with synchronising sound, as in professional shoos the sound is recorded separately from the camera which gives a richer sound and prevents any unwanted mechanical noise from the camera being picked up in the microphone.

          When preparing your work before filming or even planning, it’s always important to produce the work according to your client as it will not only satisfy their creative need on a particular project, it also increases your chance of getting repeat business as they might hire you again or recommend you to another.

Preparing to Edit

          Before you can start editing, you need to prepare and plan what you need to do in order to save time and, in professional cases, money. The longer you take to edit, the more money is being spent, with editing suites costing up to thousands of pounds per day. First, you need to import your footage into editing software, in this case Avid Media Composer. You’ll need to import it and then sort it into different ‘bins’ in order to file them under the right day/shot/scene.

          Also, make sure these files are backed up in at least 3 locations to be safe e.g. a Hard drive, your Computer and perhaps Drop Box. This is done because sometimes your data can become corrupt and it’s safe to have 3 locations where it is saved so you can still access the footage if 1 location becomes corrupt.

          Offline editing is a part of post-production in filmmaking and television production, however it take precedence when using film. Offline editing means that the raw footage is copied and edited without affecting the cameras original footage. The term ‘offline’ is used as it means ‘not under the direct control of another devise’. In today’s world, offline editing is done in a ‘non-liner’ editing suite. The offline editing process is also a lot quicker these days as editors no longer use linear video editing online suites, but use computer hardware and video editing software. Once the offline edit part of the project is finished, the original footage is assembled in the online editing stage.

          Once you have done all of the above and more, you can commence with your editing. By ensuring you have done what has been explained prior, you will have a more productive and time-managed edit, saving yourself and others time and money, but most importantly, it allows you to create an excellent piece of media.