Like all creative acts, there are a million different ways for you to edit your film.
But young filmmakers should strongly consider following these basic rules:
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Keep your story structure in mind. Your outline should drive your edit.
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Vary your shots. Minimize extended footage from your interview — a “talking head” is not very interesting visually. Find ways to diversify footage, angles, and shot lengths.
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Cut on key facts, opinions, or descriptions that you can illustrate.
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Cover up jump cuts. Insert b-roll, archival, or other images over mid-interview cuts.
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Use music to set the tone.
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Use transitions in both sound and images.
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Correct your color.
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Add your credits.
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