Sven Pape, a popular documentary and narrative film editor, talks about the challenges of selecting footage in documentary editing and the process of organizing the documentary based on beats and major turning points. They also discuss transitioning from short docs to feature-length films, moving forward from the rough cut stage, and the importance of making radical choices in editing.
Editing allows editors to reshape footage and create new meaning, making moments stronger and captivating audiences.
Selecting the best footage is 70% of good editing in documentaries, requiring careful organization and understanding of the footage to create impactful narratives.
Deep dives
The Power of Editing in Creating New Meaning
Editing is a powerful tool that allows editors to create new meaning with the shots they see. By skillfully rearranging shots, editors can make moments stronger and build narratives that captivate audiences. This ability to reshape footage is particularly important in post-production, which is currently deemed the safest part of the production process amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
Sven Poppe: From Producing to Editing
Sven Poppe, a professional editor, discovered his passion for editing after graduating from film school and experimenting with Final Cut Pro. His editing journey began with a behind-the-scenes project that gained attention and led to more opportunities, including working with James Cameron's brother. Sven's love for editing motivated him to start a YouTube channel, 'This Guy Edits,' which not only showcases his editing skills but also provides a valuable educational experience for aspiring editors, offering insights into the secrets of professional editing.
Effective Editing Techniques and Challenges in Documentary Editing
Sven emphasizes the importance of selecting the best footage to create a compelling documentary. He organizes the footage by creating select reels or bins based on themes, emotions, or characters. Selecting, according to Sven, is 70% of good editing. Documentary editors face the challenge of finding a dramatic arc within their footage to engage audiences and create a cohesive story. Through careful selection, trial and error, and a deep understanding of the footage, editors can overcome these challenges and create impactful documentary narratives.
Sven Pape is a documentary and narrative film editor. His YouTube channel This Guy Edits is a collection of doc and narrative editing lessons. It has amassed tens of millions of views since launching in 2016.