Editing is an art unto itself. Regardless of the editing system a filmmaker uses, it is the editor’s ability to work with the shots and sound to tell a story that makes all the difference. Each student edits his or her own projects and are taught the fundamental concepts of editing, both practical and aesthetic. Classes consist of lectures that combine technical information and demonstration.

Upon successful completion of this course, students are expected to be able to:

Demonstrate full understanding of the interaction of various shot sizes and camera moves, and their relation to dramatic, emotional, or character- based information. 

Demonstrate a command of all basic editing functions of non-linear editing software, as well as high proficiency in applying and executing effects, color correction, and sound mixing within the same software. 

Organize editing projects, project drives, and personal files and correspondences in a clear, consistent manner, according to industry standards. 

Arrive on time, offer positive and constructive criticism to peers, and listen to/integrate peer feedback into her/his/their own projects. 

Have completed all homework and in-class assignments on-time and according to directions.

Participation: 

You will learn just as much from each other as you will from your instructors in film school. Take part in the discussions! No question is a bad question! Chances are, if you have the question, somebody else does too. If you truly feel uncomfortable speaking/participating in class discussions, please come to me and we can find other ways for you to participate. Failure to participate and talk to me will result in deductions from your grade. 

Participation also includes staying up-to-date on homework and editing assignments, as well as completing the in-class exercises as directed. Homework will be assigned based on what was covered in class and current program workload. 

Late Work: 

Completing in-class assignments and homework on time—and demonstrating your knowledge of the material in class—allows us to move through the material as a class and explore new techniques and concepts together. For every day that an assignment is late, 5% of your grade will be deducted. If you need an extension due to emergent circumstances, you must email me in advance of that one-week cut-off.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________

LESSON 1

What is editing?

LESSON 2

Continuity and Story in the Edit

LESSON 3

Montage

LESSON 4

Sound Design

LESSON 5

Rhythm, Pace & Emotion (Transitions & Effects)

LESSON 6

Screening and Critique of Montage

LESSON 7

Midterm Exam

LESSON 8

Scene Editing

LESSON 9

Scene Editing Workshop

LESSON 10

Screening and Critique of Scene

LESSON 11

Documentary Editing

LESSON 12

Post Production Workflow

LESSON 13

Screening and Critique of Documentary

LESSON 14

Final Exam Preparation