What Does An Editor Do?

For a movie, it's the editor's role to take all the raw footage that was shot on set, look over every individual piece to pick out the best ones, and compile the final selections into a format that resembles the final product. The process of editing is often overlooked because it's the best when it can't be recognized, but it takes countless days in front of a computer with hundreds of creative decisions that are being executed. Specifically, some roles that editors have are deciding if a clip should we added or taken out, if it should be tightened or left to breathe, and enhancing the performance of others. Because the editor wants to create a certain feeling with every decision he makes, there are numerous times when a clip just doesn't fit in, and the editor must make the executive decision to get rid of it, or modify it. Also, some shots portray better acting performances than others, so the editor must hold himself accountable for looking through every clip to find the best one, in order to enhance the movie altogether.

Intro to Editing

Before the end of the editing unit, I'd like to learn how to create gun sparks, how to mix sound so that it's muffled at some points and clear at others, and tips for crating an intro that displays the title in a three dimensional way, as if it's part of the footage. I plan on creating an action sequence at some point during the year, so I want to make sure that I can add explosives that look real and aren't too cheesy. I saw similar videos had this effect last year, especially the "Iron Gun" series, so I'm hoping it's part of the lesson plan and we get to it as well this year. Also, I like adding a background track to my videos, but there are times when I don't want it to overpower some scenes, so I'd like to learn how to muffle it at those parts, without stopping it completely. In addition, I'm always looking for a way to make my intros more interesting to hook the viewer, so hopefully I can learn some techniques for displaying my titles in a fresh and entertaining way.

Copyright and Fair Use

Fair use is an application that can be used in certain instances to use someone else's copyrighted work, without their permission. For fair use to be applicable, there are some guidelines to follow, including only using a small portion of the work, modifying it to make it original, reworking it to use it in a different way, and not gaining any profit from it. It's also important to understand that fair use can only be used in certain instances, like for schoolwork, news reports, commenting or parodies. For the work that I do in this class, I think I can apply fair use to the music pieces that I choose for my videos, because most of them are probably copyrighted, and I should be weary with how much of a song I use and in what way. I don't think I'll have a problem with gaining any profit for my videos, but I think I should also be concerned with using others' clips, and that when I do it's only a small portion, and I give them credit nonetheless.

What is Digital Citizenship?

I think digital citizenship is the way one should conduct themself while using any sort of technology or identity on the Internet. There are probably a whole set of guidelines for digital citizenship, including both what people should and shouldn't do when commenting on something or putting work out there. I believe cyber-bullying is a large aspect of digital citizenship, mainly because some people feel they can say whatever they want on the Internet, as their identity is concealed and their work can't be traced back to them. I believe digital citizenship is incredibly important because as members of the 21st century, more and more business is being conducted on technology, requiring people to behave professionally and obey the laws. Also, a majority of people don't realize that some things they do regularly on technology is illegal, so there must be that citizenship aspect to relay that it's a privilege that must be obeyed, or could be revoked.

Career Readiness Skills

Career readiness skills are skills that are generally required to succeed in the 21st century workplace, like communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. In addition to these career readiness skills,  I feel that some effective employability skills to help one get a good job are punctuality, accountability, and a good personality. Above all else, I think it's critical that an employee shows up to work on time prepared, because if a boss can't even trust them to do that, there's no way they're going to keep them around. In addition, companies must be able to trust their employees to take on roles and hold themselves accountable for their work, so if a person can't live up to those expectations, they'll be replaced by someone who can. Since most careers involve working with others, it's crucial that a job applicant has an admirable personality and is sincere with their actions, because any superior can easily notice a negative or uninterested person, and they won't want that kind of behavior in their productive workplace.

Set Safety Summary

Set safety and etiquette is so important because there are many risks that come with working on a set, and being oblivious to a possible hazard can potentially injure an employee, or worst, cost them their life. Although safety is the number one priority, it's also super important to learn proper etiquette because the wrong behavior can get someone fired, and make it hard for them to ever keep a job in the industry again. I think an aspect of set safety that will be difficult to follow is risk assessment and slowing a shoot down to think things through. Because the atmosphere on set is so fast-paced and an emphasis is put on getting the perfect shot in the least amount of time, I think it would be difficult for anyone with stake in the project to slow things down and assess every setup before filming, but it must be done. Personally, I'd like to learn more about the etiquette portion of film sets, especially the proper lingo that is used and when, because as of now it all sounds foreign.

Film Set Etiquette

In terms of etiquette on set, the article stresses that you must mind your manners, know exactly who can say cut, take care of your fellow crew-members, and understand the unique rules that come with your set. In general, the different departments perform different jobs, and minding your manners means sticking to your task and not commenting on how other people do their work. For instance, you wouldn't be commenting on an actor's performance as a costume designer, and vice versa. During a shoot, you also need to recognize that it's the director's job to say "cut", and it's your job to refrain from talking till the end of the take, unless you notice something in your department that requires you to speak up. This could be a potential safety issue that must be addressed, or a sound interference that will make the clip unsatisfactory. Regardless of your role in the production, the article makes it clear that you've got to know the rules of your set, whether it's a chatty set or one that requires minimal talking. When it doubt, it suggests you follow the lead of your department head, or talk to an  immediate supervisor to confirm proper behavior on set.

Unsafe Situations

This past summer, I witnessed my dad get hurt while working on a ladder because of unsafe conditions. He was attempting to grab oranges with a picker, and had set up a ladder on the brick flooring to complete the feat. Once afoot the ladder, not only had he climbed to nearly the top rung, but the ladder was anything but stable and kept wobbling. Before getting more than two oranges, the ladder toppled underneath him and he suffered some bruised ribs from the fall. I felt angry after the accident happened because I knew it could've been prevented, and felt his injury was not worth the single orange that was salvaged. Looking back at the incident, it could've been averted if someone voiced their concerns over his safety, and pointed out how both the ladder and his location were unsafe in the first place. From there, it would've been beneficial to recommend a different spot for the ladder on flat ground, as well as precede to hold it in place as he climbed up.  However, what has happened is done, and as the old saying goes, "You live and you learn".

Why Is Safety Important?

Safety on a film set is important because there are a lot of potential dangers that could pose a threat to both the cast and crew. Because every set involves a lot of equipment that is usually thrown up, there is always a risk that something doesn't go as planned or something is overlooked. With this in mind, film crews must take every precaution possible to ensure that they're practicing proper "setiquette", and think every decision through to make sure they're not risking anyone's physical safety. Some dangers you should identify on a set are objects that are hanging and could potentially fall, tripping hazards like trailing cables, and lighting/power issues that could lead to electrocution. In order to prevent these dangers, a member of the crew should speak up right away if they identify anything unsafe, but also look at each setup to think about what could go wrong beforehand.

Vertical Video Syndrome

A vertical video is a bad idea because our eyes and culture are accustomed to viewing videos in a horizontal fashion, be it that all media displays are generally that shape (computers, televisions, cinemas). When a vertical video is shot, a person must modify its size and generally take only a portion of the original size to make it horizontal again, which can affect the clip severely. And if a clip is chosen to remain vertical, it pretty much occupies only half the space on a monitor because few are designed tall and skinny. Although aware of the crimes I'm committing, I too am no stranger to Vertical Video Syndrome, and have created many videos in that format. Looking back at those videos, I chose to film vertically because I felt it would be better displayed on phone screens, as I intended my work to go on social media sites, and wanted the best experience possible for the viewer.

The Magic of Film

Movies are so magical because they give the viewer two uncommon sensations, an escape from reality, but also a chance to connect with the stories and characters unfolding on the screen. It's almost like those watching a movie are in a new world, where the problems of yesterday are no longer relevant, and what emerges in its place is a reflection on personal character, triumph, and those little moments of connection with some aspect of what's in front of them. Personally, I find that movies are so special because they can disguise some of the hardest topics into a format that can reach millions, and keep them entertained. Unlike commercials or other infographics that try to send a message, movies are one of the few that can do it in a way that's non-invasive, and yet still have the greatest impact on its audience. In addition, I find it incredibly remarkable that movies can bring people from all different backgrounds together to connect on a shared idea, or at the least, spend time in the same room with differences aside.

Beginning Goals

1. By the end of the year, a major goal I have is to complete a professional portfolio that showcases the work I've done throughout the year, including films, blogs, and other accomplishments. My intent for the portfolio is that I'll be able to send it to colleges during the application process, as I've heard that most colleges look at portfolios for their art/film programs.

2. Another important goal I want to hold myself accountable for is creating at least one film that addresses an issue or broad topic that's close to home. I often feel that some of the best films are created when a director has some personal connection to an aspect of their film, and I'd like to apply that element to at least one of the projects I do this year.

3. A third goal I have is to broaden my appreciation for certain films with genres that I'm less interested in. I know a portion of this class is viewing a wide variety of films to learn more about certain techniques, so I want to make sure that even if the film sounds dull or uninteresting, I approach it with the same enthusiasm and desire to learn.