ABSTRACT
Documentaries are really made in the edit filmmakers hear that often said and for so many documentaries this is true. It really is the second chance to direct. We loaded the film into editing software, and then manually put in cuts where the scenes change, adding color-coded media slugs to show where music falls, or when voice over comes in. The assistant editor may have set up filmmakers' project for them with listed bins— for graphics, music, original footage, third party material, sound effects. If editors have time they will watch all of their rushes to make notes for emotion, active scenes, and reaction shots. Editing is the second chance to direct and directors often have written something down before they shoot— either a script, shot list, synopsis about their film or treatment. A sophisticated edit with wonderful pacing that has kept the audience engaged every two minutes and at the edge of their seats can take months, a year plus.
