Editing Tip #4: Establish Storytelling Grammar
Here’s an editing tip that will ensure that your documentary conveys a cohesive artistic style. I call it “establishing your film’s storytelling grammar.”
Within the first 5-7 minutes of your film, give the viewer a sneak preview of all your unique storytelling devices. These include any visual, auditory or editing techniques that convey your film’s signature style.
For example, if your film includes animation or a special graphic treatment, debut it within the first seven minutes. Or if you are using jump cuts as part of your editing style, reveal the first jump cut at the start of your film so that later on, your viewer doesn’t think you were too lazy to find a cutaway. Debut early any special treatment of newspaper graphics, use of narration, special sound effects, or any other storytelling device that sets your film apart.
There are two important reasons for establishing your film’s storytelling grammar early on.
First, you will avoid startling the viewer if you tease your film’s “grammar” in the introduction, rather than having it suddenly appear out of the blue at the half-way mark. (This “one-trick pony” approach is not necessarily a fatal artistic flaw, but it can be jarring.)
Second, your film will resound with a splendid, artistic cohesiveness if you consciously design your storytelling grammar to appear early on, then periodically throughout the film.
If you found this editing tip useful, I invite you to consider joining our upcoming story consulting program, The Inner Circle 8.0 which begins November 5, 2015. Learn more at:
Here’s what filmmaker Valerie Camila Rhodes said about the Inner Circle:
“Without having any footage for my film it seemed unjustifiable to seek story consulting or a story editor, but by joining the Inner Circle I received so much support and knowledge from Karen and the group that I was able to get over humps that would have stopped me completely before. I’ve learning so much more about story crafting and editing which will definitely save a lot of time and money in production and post-production. Karen, thank you so much for guiding us through this experience and the invaluable information you’ve shared with us.”
