BEST Video EDITING Exercise For EMOTION (CHALLENGE)

Introduction

The best editors know that the single most important criterion for successful video editing is emotion, yet how to practice this skill isn't commonly discussed. I'm here to change that. As a professional editor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve developed an exercise that will give you a tangible method for practicing emotional editing.

The Importance of Emotion in Editing

In his groundbreaking book In the Blink of an Eye, legendary editor Walter Murch emphasizes that emotion is at the top of his six criteria for successful editing, clocking in at a weighty 51%. It's not merely about the emotions of the characters on screen but rather how those emotions resonate with the audience.

But how do we practice such a nebulous concept? I suggest we begin to "edit like therapists." Early in my editing career, I found that my emotional vocabulary was severely limited. My editing typically ranged from eliciting feelings of sadness, happiness, excitement, or anxiety. While these are good starter emotions, refining our craft means being able to identify and evoke more nuanced feelings.

Instead of simply aiming for happiness, what if you sought to make your audience feel calm, peaceful, satisfied, or safe? Rather than just sadness, how about targeting heartbreak, loneliness, or melancholy? Changing your focus from broad emotions to more specific feelings can dramatically enrich your edits.

The Exercise: Editing for Emotion

For this exercise, I'll be utilizing six shots downloaded from Artlist. For those interested in using the same shots, you can find them by searching “Architect at Work” on Artlist. I will create two distinct scenes using the same six shots but targeting different emotions: playfulness and inspiration.

You might wonder how to target different emotions while using the same shots. The difference lies in various editing choices, including:

• Story: The narrative arc you create with your shots
• Shot Order: The sequence in which you present your shots
• Rhythm: The pacing of your edits
• Shot Length: The duration each shot is displayed
• Sound: The accompanying music and sound effects
• Action: The In and Out points for each shot

With a clear emotion in mind for each edit, I will make deliberate choices in each of the above categories to support that feeling.

Scene 1: Targeting Inspiration

In this first version of the scene, my goal was to evoke a sense of inspiration. I began with a shot of the architect and gradually revealed his impressive model. The music selected added a gravity that complements the unfolding narrative, and appropriate sound effects were woven in to enhance the sense of space.

What emotion did this evoke for you? Did I successfully capture inspiration? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Scene 2: Targeting Playfulness

In contrast, for the playful version of the scene, I aimed to bring the model to life. I initiated the edit with a focus on the model before finally revealing the architect at the end. This dramatically altered the storytelling approach. The rhythm remained similar, but the music track was distinctly different, leading my edits to guide the viewer toward a playful feel.

What feelings did this playful edit evoke for you? Did I manage to capture a playful essence? Let me know your impressions in the comments!

Conclusion

Regardless of whether you're just getting started in video editing or you're a seasoned professional, this exercise can significantly enhance your ability to target specific emotions. Improving your emotional storytelling will greatly elevate your editing skills. I personally found this challenge to be very rewarding.

If you found value in this article, consider subscribing and check out my free editing guide available at the link in the description. For more on emotional editing exercises, watch this video next. Happy editing!

Keyword

• Video Editing
• Emotion
• Editing Exercise
• Inspiration
• Playfulness
• Emotional Vocabulary
• Editing Criteria
• Walter Murch
• Storytelling

FAQ

Q: Why is emotion important in video editing?
A: Emotion is crucial because it significantly influences how the audience connects with the content. According to Walter Murch, it is the top criterion for successful editing.

Q: How can I practice editing for emotion?
A: You can practice by selecting specific emotions to target in your edits and making conscious decisions based on story, shot order, rhythm, sound, and action.

Q: What are some nuanced emotions I can aim to evoke?
A: Instead of broader emotions like sadness or happiness, try feelings like calm, loneliness, or inspiration to add depth to your editing.

Q: Can I use the same shots for different emotions?
A: Yes! By changing the shot order, music, rhythm, and editing choices, you can create entirely different emotional experiences using the same footage.

Q: Where can I find the shots used in this exercise?
A: The shots are available from Artlist; you can search for “Architect at Work” to use the same material for your practice.