Technical research: Editing (Hayden Woodcock)

We are not fully dividing roles because we are keen on exploring each of the areas in order to get a better practical understanding. Therefore, we are all responsible for everything: filming, directing, editing, acting and producing. However, Hubert has asked to be involved with the filming and directing more this year because he took on the role of the actor last year, so it is clearly fair that we edge towards this. In light of this, I have decided to focus my research upon photography, editing and acting. Following this, here is my research into editing techniques and considerations:

• At this level, it is preferable to edit on Final Cut Pro because it provides a clean finish and provides the editors with more software and techniques to use compared to IMovie. As well as this, this editing software is quite easy to use once you have a basic understanding. Within Final Cut, it is essential that I always consider: transitions, colour, sound and continuity.
• Transitions: These can be used during the cuts between shots to make the film to look more professional and to enable a continuation or lack of continuation (depending on genre requirements or conventions.) It is vital that the transitions relate to the genre conventions in the way that old fashioned films, in this case Film Noir used wipes and iris' because of the technology and consistence dominance during this period.
• Colour: The colour of the film can accessibly and easily be altered to suit our ideas and Film Noir/Horror look: black and white. This will enable the overall trailer to appear recognisable and stereotypical for this particular film.
• Sound: Due to piracy and downloading, I can access sound from iTunes or other uses sound on Final Cut. Although, it is necessary that the sound within a trailer is balanced between diegetic and non-diegetic and in particular, contrapuntal and parallel for tension, juxtaposition and to anchor the footage.
• Continuity: This can be achieved via the colour matching tool in Final Cut Pro, ensuring that it is the same throughout. Additionally, continuity is essential in editing techniques, depending whether it is linear or non-linear narrative and in typography (since the font should be the same size and the same font unless a reason against this is clear.)