Academy of Wisdom
Explore cuts, continuity editing, montage theory, sound editing, and color grading
Lesson 1/8What Is Editing
Beginner
Editing is the process of selecting and arranging footage to build a story. Understand the definition of editing, its invisible power, and its historical evolution.
Objectives
- Understand the essential definition and role of editing in filmmaking
- Learn how the Kuleshov Effect proves that editing creates meaning
- Trace the historical development of editing techniques
Step 1/5Defining Editing
Editing is the process of selecting, trimming, and arranging filmed material into a finished narrative. In the industry, it is also called 'cutting.'
If shooting is gathering ingredients, editing is cooking the meal. No matter how superb the footage, it does not become a film without editing. Walter Murch called editing "the one art that is unique to cinema."
An editor is not merely a technician. The editor is the storyteller who ultimately realizes the director's vision.