Editing

Having shot our thriller we then had to start the next stage, which is part of the creative post-production process of filmmaking. We used Adobe premier pro as the software and edited on a Mac computer.

We began by simply watching over all the footage that we had shot we did this because we wanted to see what different shots we had taken giving us an idea of the choice we had in terms of what shots we could use and when. We had clear expectations in our group that we would first edit by picture and shot, and only then would we go on to start doing sounds and the effects.

Once we reviewed our footage we dragged our shots down onto the timeline and did a basic logging order. This enabled us to get a rough idea of what the start would involve then the action scene that takes place in the middle and lastly the ending. We then began the cropping stage it was a lot more simple to do because of the fact we have grouped them together on a linear timeline.

When deciding where the different shots went we had to name and re-name the clips. We did this because it meant we could easily edit and find the different sections without loosing footage or getting confused as to what shots are where.

We then started to crop the shots. We had to do this as some of the footage we had shot entire scenes in one shot but we only wanted to use little sections from that shot therefore we cropped it. We used the blade to cut our clips into two different shots. This was important as it enabled us to create smoother shot transitions making our sequence flow better.

We used the timeline we had to arrange the shots in the correct order. As well as to cut and then make them shorter and overlap shots giving us better transitions. This meant we could duplicate your work making different timelines which means you can test your continuity without disturbing you’re original footage.

As we were doing our editing we found that continuity became a big problem as our shots often didn’t match up and it was hard to get them to link properly.

So far we have used eight layers on our timeline because the more layers you use the smoother the overlaps become. If we were only to use one layer the footage can get cut off to early and therefore seem un-smooth, it can also take away audio footage which can affect the outcome of the shots.

So far we have just used simple cuts, these are particularly good for our action scene as we don’t want slow dissolving or wipe transitions. As an action scene needs to be fast paced and quick so the audience remains on the edge of the seats from all the chaos that the shots provide. So what we have done is changed the pacing throughout our scene transitions, by rapidly taking a series of simple cuts, this mean that we could create an exciting action packed thriller sequence. However to begin the opening of our sequence which is not action we wanted to create and build more tension by drawing out each shot for a bit longer then expected. We did this so that the audience gets an idea of the setting and begins to imagine in their heads what may take place in the following minutes. So far we have attempted to use a match on graphics of some of our props so that the objects in the shot graphically match, we tired to do this as it helps to establish a strong continuity of action in the scenes as well.

Overall our three main decisions that we had to make whilst the editing process to place was what footage we could use and what we couldn’t. Secondly the order of the shots we should show became very important to the success of our thriller. Lastly choosing the right shots to make our thriller clear, this made sure we had no continuity errors. Our aim of the editing process was to develop an opening sequence that creates suspense for the viewer, this needs to be intriguing and action packed keeping the audience on their toes.