ABSTRACT

This newly revised and updated fifth edition of Grammar of the Edit will teach anyone who needs to use video as a communication tool how to show more effective visual stories. This accessible resource presents both traditional and cutting-edge methodologies that address the all-important questions of when to cut and why, and teaches readers the principles behind selecting the best shots, cutting for continuity, pacing, editing sound, color correction, and more.

Designed as an easy-to-use guide, this book covers each topic succinctly with clear photographs and diagrams illustrating key concepts, complete with fun and practical exercises and quiz questions, as well as "from-the-field" examples, resulting in a staple text for any filmmaker’s library.

New to the fifth edition:

  • Instructional and student resources offer downloadable and editable raw footage so that students can practice the techniques described in the book, and instructional videos showcasing examples of different editing choices and types of shot transitions.
  • Thorough chapter content reviews and refreshed exercises and quizzes help test readers on their knowledge using real-world scenarios.
  • New section, Principles in Practice, concludes each chapter by presenting unique scenarios that a video maker may encounter in their own video-editing work and offers creative solutions and advice on how one might handle them.

Together with its companion volume, Grammar of the Shot, the core concepts discussed in these books offer concise and practical resources for both experienced and aspiring filmmakers who wish to master their craft.

chapter Chapter One|26 pages

Video Editing: An Introduction to the Process

chapter Chapter Two|36 pages

Understanding the Visual Material

chapter Chapter Three|28 pages

Understanding the Audio Material

chapter Chapter Four|34 pages

Assessing Footage: Selecting Shots for the Edit

chapter Chapter Five|26 pages

When to Cut and Why: Factors That Lead to Strong Edits

chapter Chapter Six|44 pages

Video Transitions and Edit Categories

chapter Chapter Seven|32 pages

Editing Terms, Topics, and Techniques

chapter Chapter Eight|16 pages

Concluding Thoughts: An Editor's Mindset