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Purpose of Fine Cut
February 20, 2020
Here’s Part 3 of my 4-part series that originated from a workflow discussion with PBS producers. See also Stages of Post-Production. Once the film’s structure has been finalized in the Rough Cut, we’re on to the Fine Cut! The purpose of the Fine Cut is to make the film look and sound pleasing, within 3% of the final TRT. Micro-edits will finesse scenes and control pacing. It’s also time to fact check and wrap narration. If time permits, rushes are re-screened to find overlooked gems. The Fine Cut also includes any special effects, title treatment, and placeholders for every single…
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Definition of Rough Cut
February 11, 2020
Today is Part 2 of my 4-part series on post-production terms. To understand more definitions, check out the Stages of Post-Production. Edited from an Assembly Cut, a Rough Cut is the first cut that resembles an actual documentary movie. The Rough Cut requires a sharp cutter to shave away the chaff–as well as heavy structural lifting to correctly order scenes. With a focus on dramatic pacing, the purpose of a character-driven Rough Cut is to hone in on narrative arc(s) and, if there are multiple arcs, identify where they intersect. In an essay-style Rough Cut, ideas find their logical structure,…
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Definition of Assembly Cut
February 5, 2020
Editing a PBS series, we learned that it helps for the editorial team to sync up on definitions, and hence expectations, of post-production jargon. So today is Part 1 of my 4-part series on Post-Production Terms. The Assembly Cut pulls the best moments and narrative elements from string-out sequences. (String outs can be up to several hours’ worth of pared down footage, organized by scene or character or theme. Read more about string outs in our How To Edit Footage Quickly blog.) The Assembly Cut is the first best guess at documentary’s structure, hence it’s often organized chronologically. No more…
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Filmmaker’s Dark Night of the Soul
January 28, 2020
First, a quick announcement: I have a deeply experienced editor available soon. Email me if you’re interested. And now for a bit of filmmaking psychology. In life, we can’t predict when a dark night of the soul will descend. But in documentary filmmaking, we can venture a good guess. Malaise often hits in early post-production. Why? The exciting immediacy of principal photography has passed. Often, funds have been spent on filming. Exhaustion sets in. And working alone to craft a film–especially if you’re an extrovert–can spiral into procrastination and even depression. If you’re tired and out of cash, give yourself…
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Creative Doc on Oscar Short List
January 21, 2020
In honor of one of my favorite documentaries on the Oscar Short List, I’m rerunning this personal blog about watching Apollo 11. This creative doc is especially instructive if you have a documentary that features a singular event that was filmed from more than one location. According to film critic Matt Zoller Seitz on RogerEbert.com, this “joyous music montage” creates a “vertigo-inducing sense of immediacy.” Read the entire blog here.
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FAQ About Editing Services
January 16, 2020
I frequently get asked about our editing services so I’m reposting these FAQ’s, updated for 2020. Can you please send me the names and clips of your editors? Eventually, yes. But first we’ll talk about your vision so I can determine which editor’s sensibility best fits your film. Then we’ll have a three-way conference call with the editor so you can feel out whether it’s a good match. Fit is so important to me that it comes before credentials. I’ll send resumes, clips, and testimonials after our three-way call so you can do your due diligence. What makes your editing…
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I Am So Inspired!
January 14, 2020
I usually don’t talk shop when I visit my family in Maine. But this holiday, I decided to make a short compilation of several documentaries we’ve recently edited or story consulted on. My mother’s response? “I am SO IMPRESSED by all you do to make the world a better place for all of us!” The truth is, it’s the filmmakers who are impressive. Check out this short clip of four directors’ inspiring visions!
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Refine ITVS Application
January 8, 2020
Over the years we’ve worked with several filmmakers who’ve partnered with ITVS for funding. Now we’re working to help filmmakers get funded! As you may know, ITVS gives indies up to $350,000 to complete a standalone doc that’s then virtually guaranteed to air on PBS. They’re especially looking to provide underserved audiences with exceptional stories. Storytelling is our specialty! Our new funding prep service helps you refine important funding staples such as logline, synopsis, treatment, audience clarity and sample reel (ITVS requires a 10-15 minute sample reel). The new ITVS Open Call deadline is on Valentine’s day, Feb 14th. It…
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Talented Editor Available
January 3, 2020
Happy New Year! I have a talented editor coming available shortly. He’s kind, supportive, and deeply experienced in storytelling. Let me know if you’re interested. Read more about our editing services here.
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FILMMAKING Sale Ends Tomorrow
November 30, 2019
Tomorrow is the last day to take advantage of the two-for-one sale on my acclaimed documentary filmmaking seminars. Buy Editing the Character-Driven Documentary here and get The Ultimate Guide to Structuring Your Documentary for free (valued at $97.97). Please email me for special instructions on how to purchase if you live outside the U.S. Here’s what one Emmy-Award-winning director had to say about Editing the Character-Driven Documentary: “This class was invaluable for bringing into crystal clear focus how to bring a 3-act structure to a documentary film. Karen is inspiring and the documentary clips she screens are extremely useful.” –…
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