Summary
Role: Editor (apprentice)
Intention (SMART Goal)
Pre-Production – Inquiry
Leader(s) in the Field/ Exemplary Work(s)
Primary Source:
The primary source that will set as an example for this session is the clip from “Apocalypse Now“. At the beginning of this clip, there are shots of palm trees and a cloud of dust that begins to cover the trees. There is some slight use of color grade to make the dust color pop even more yellow. At 1:46 in this clip, it is showing the actor and the helicopter floating across his face but faded. This is two overlapping clips, used to add more creativity towards the film and add to the storyline of the film. At 2:16, the use of color grade is also apparent. This skill was used to make the fire look more orange and bring more attention to the situation. Throughout the entire film, the use of color grade is noticeable. For example, at 5:20, this clip has more of a greenish hue to it and there is a darker hue to the film scene. These skills are used by the editor to bring a more dramatic feel and fit for the scene in the film.
Secondary Source:
In this discussion, Michael Kahn discusses the techniques used in “Saving Private Ryan”. Michael Kahn states that there were three or four techniques when shooting the opening scene. Khan states that for each clip there was a different frame that the editor had placed this film in. For example, in this opening scene, the use of a 45-degree shutter is used to allow the audience to see all the little pieces of dirt which moved across the characters. At 2:43, Kahn states “…looked at that scene didn’t make any changes just looked at it and went away…” (Michael Kahn). One important technique that I will take away from this video is to edit like the editor did. This editing meant looking at the clips, making rough edits to it and being done for the day. This allows a new view when coming back the next day and deciding what/how to edit.
Training Source(s)
10:08 – Transition at the end of the clip not between the clips. TO FIX – select Center at Cut; this allows a smoother transition.
16:47 – Color grading. Don’t make it look unnatural. TO FIX – lower the intensity. Hint: look at the before and after.
00:09 – Before/After for reference
01:00 – It takes time and there is no right way to do it. Do what fits with the film
1:05 – Take the film to the next level and make it look better.
01:11 – Takes practice to understand color grading
01:35 – Start with LUT but use as a foundation
01:59 – Using a LUT compared to color correcting the clip first, saves time. Recommends using a LUT.
03:03 – Make the color grade subtle by decreasing the intensity. This will result in a better-looking film.
03:09 – The color grade should never be distracting. The audience should not realize that there is a color grade on the film.
04:12 – Increasing shadows will allow more details to be seen.
05:37 – To change specific spots and the color, go into HSL Secondary then click onto the object at hand.
Project Timeline
- Create a time estimation to on track throughout Session #6
- Research professional editors and techniques (with experience in color grading)
- Research Premiere Pro and editing tools overall
- Research color grading techniques
- Collaborate with the director, cinematographer, and main editor
- Understand the shot list
- Organize and/or watch main editor, video clips and audio
- General editing for the video (rough cut)
- Final editing and cuts (wait a day after the general edit)
- Color grade the video clips
- Sync audio with film and music
- Upload