What is the Purpose of the Rough Cut(s)?

The purpose of the Rough Cut is to find your film’s structure. We edit at least 2 Rough Cuts, and have even done as many as 12!

So how do you approach editing a Rough Cut? Taking what you learned from the Assembly Cut, first decide by reading this article if this is a character-driven, a.k.a. “quest” film–or an idea-driven, “essay” film.

• If you have a character-driven film, shape it into three acts with a beginning, middle and end. For examples, check out my evergreen article “Reality In Three Acts”
• If you have an essay-style film, determine a structure for unfolding ideas.
• Include temp narration and/or text on screen.
• Experiment with more than one introduction.
• J and L cuts with voiceover are OK, but don’t finesse edits too much because scenes may be moved or eventually cut. See my blog on Overcutting.

Your late-stage Rough Cut will be seen and evaluated by funders and test audiences. Those early viewers ideally include some lay people, some experts on the film’s topic, and a story consultant.

After the Rough Cut screening, determine:

What parts emotionally moved viewers?

Are viewers getting the film’s takeaway?

What problems did viewers consistently mention? How can you solve those problems? A story consultant can guide you in solving problems mentioned by test viewers, such as fixing a slow opening, a meandering storyline, confusing sections, or a limp ending.

Is narration or text cards required? Do you need a pick-up shoot or additional interview?


Should certain scenes be cut or moved? Along these lines, aim for your Rough Cut to be within ten percent of your film’s final running time. Good luck!