ABSTRACT
As in medical triage, start by looking for symptoms such as confusion, slow gait, lack of interest, lack of affect. In many triage cases it is advisable to begin at the beginning and at the ending. Short-cutting the post process is never a good idea. The triage methods are useful for not only desperate films that have consumed much of their time and budget but also as a starting point for troubled films that offer reasonable editing schedules. Beginning with a less than riveting shot or series of shots can damage what follows. Think thematically. Locate shots that reinforce the film's overall meaning and visual concept. Never be arbitrary. Pacing is a major issue that can be helped in a matter of weeks but usually takes much longer to fully realize throughout the entire film. As with humans, the film may initially respond to technical intervention. Video and audio issues can damage otherwise workable scenes.
