Film Editing 101

Explore the multifaceted role of the film editor and how to support the narrative in post-production.

In this four-week course, you'll engage in hands-on projects, including storyboarding and complex sequence design, to develop your skills in editing. The course covers the evolution of editing from early cinema to modern practices, emphasizing timeless techniques applicable across various editing software.

The course delves into different editing styles, such as classical Hollywood and experimental techniques, and highlights the contributions of iconic editors like Thelma Schoonmaker and Walter Murch. By analyzing and re-editing scenes, you'll learn to manipulate pacing, rhythm, and emotional impact. You'll also gain a strong understanding of how editing techniques vary across action, horror, comedy, and drama, enhancing your ability to tailor your editing style to different narrative contexts.

You'll practice editing for various media formats, from film and television to web content, and explore how editing techniques adapt to new media platforms. The final project, involving the creation of a short video for social media platforms, will showcase your ability to apply editing techniques in real-world scenarios.

What you will learn:

✔ Apply various editing techniques, including shot selection, continuity, and special effects
✔ Analyze different editing styles and the contributions of notable film editors
✔ Adapt editing techniques for various narrative contexts, media formats, and emerging technological trends
✔ Create a video that showcases your understanding of pacing, rhythm, and narrative

Prerequisite skills:

Completion of Film Production 101, or equivalent knowledge and/or experience.

What you need to participate:

Computer or mobile device with Internet. Internet speed must be at least 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload. For students using a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile app and select “Interlochen Online” as your school.
Film editing software. You can use a basic tool such as Capcut or more advanced programs like Adobe Premiere, Davinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro.

How the course works:

Interlochen Online courses are designed to be inspiring and flexible with weekly learning units that combine video segments and guided instruction that you can complete on your own schedule during the week. You will interact regularly with your teacher and peers inside the learning environment.

You can also participate in an optional weekly hour-long video class meeting, where you can learn from the teacher and interact with your classmates in real-time. At the beginning of the course, you will complete a survey indicating your preferred times for the class meeting. The teacher will make every best effort to identify a meeting time that works for everyone. The teacher will also post recordings of the meetings and you can view them when it is convenient.

The goal is that you walk away not only with practical skills and friendships but that you are inspired and motivated to pursue your art and realize your potential.