Credits Where They’re Due
Editing tips # 2: Preparing a title sequence Much has been written on the art of the title sequence, and I plan to cover it myself at some time, but first I thought it might be useful to provide a more practical guide to designing a title sequence. As the assistant editor on features, … Continue reading
Looking After the Little Fella
A guide to writing walk-on roles for the screen
PRODUCT REVIEW: ‘FilmConvert’ Film Emulation Software
Can Digital Really Look Like Film? ☛ Journalistic convention dictates that you review products when they’re brand new, but I’m taking the liberty of reviewing something that’s been around for a time. What can I say? It’s new to me. Be aware: this may get a little technical. FilmConvert is a bundle of software … Continue reading
Has a Line Been Crossed?
Directing tip # 1: Crossing the Line The first rule of filmmaking most students learn in film school is ‘don’t cross the line’. I’ve met those who see this rule as one of the few inviolable principles of directing for the edit, and others who think that movie grammar has outgrown this quaint prohibition. I’m … Continue reading
Rule of Thumbnail
Screenwriting tip #1: How to Introduce Characters in your Script For an unknown screenwriter it’s always a struggle getting a person of influence – an agent, a development executive, a producer – to read your script. There’s a reason for this. When these readers do turn the title page bearing an unfamiliar name, all too … Continue reading
Jump Around!
Editing tip # 1: Jump cuts Regular readers may be wondering about the recent silence from the Cutting Room Floor: I can report that an exceptional run of work has stopped play. I’m working hard editing a feature film called We Still Kill the Old Way directed by my friend and colleague Sacha Bennett. In … Continue reading
Coming Soon, part II
How to make an industry trailer ☛ My last piece was about the trailers that show in cinemas, the ones the public gets to see. However, before a movie’s theatrical trailer or even its teaser has hit the big screen, there may have been a couple of promos already cut for that film. Indeed new … Continue reading
Left Hanging
The Art of the Open Ending ☛ Nothing guarantees a good post-movie discussion like an open ending. Some of us love up-in-the-air endings, others hate them, but what are they there for? What do they say? Given this subject matter, be warned: there will be spoilers, but I’ll try to keep them to a minimum. … Continue reading
Rekindling Old Frames
Deleted Scenes ☛ I’ve recently locked picture on the movie Sparks and Embers and it’s fallen to me to prepare the deleted scenes. As the editor, I work with the audience in mind so, when deciding which scenes to recommend including, I found myself wondering: what do people get from watching deleted scenes? To answer … Continue reading
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