The Aesthetics of Editing

In the chapter, "The Aesthetics of Editing," Osgood & Hinshaw talk about the importance of good editing. Good editing goes unnoticed and maintains continuity. Through edits, the story should be brought to life and allow the message being conveyed to get into the viewer's mind.

The authors provide a list of 5 major things that editing manipulates. These five things are...

1. Image & sound: The more information provided to the audience, the clearer the story's focus becomes.
2. Shot order: Shots should be presented in logical fashion so audience correctly interprets message
3. Shot relationship: With planning and continuity issues, shots can be shot at different times, it the edit that joins them together
4. Time: changing the speed of scenes as well as incorporating B-Roll can enhance the story
5. Rhythm and pacing: Images should be on-screen as long as necessary to transfer the information to the viewer.

Continuity is important in order to produce a story that flows well. It is important to maintain consistency of the story both between shots and within shots.

Physical continuity: consistency of items/objects within a shot; props, the set/landscape, the people

• To achieve physical continuity one must control their environment and maintain screen direction.

Technical Continuity: consistency from shot-to-shot with audio, video, quality, lighting, color, etc.

Experience and attention to detail and two important attributes of a good editor. With patience and skill, the editor can convey emotion and clarity in a program. I am in the process of making a video, with iMovie, for class. The specific message I am trying to convey in this video is how Furman incorporates sustainability throughout campus, specifically through fitness facilities. I am utilizing the 5 major things listed in the chapter in order to successfully communicate my message to my audience. The most important, and challenging thing, for me is to be able to provide enough interesting visual footage to maintain the attention of the audience for the entire five minutes!

Update: here is my video. Hopefully I overcame my challenge and maintained your attention throughout the entire 5 minutes!