The Technique of Film and Video Editing: History, Theory, and Practice

The Technique of Film & Video Editing provides a detailed, precise look at the artistic and aesthetic principles and practices of editing for both picture and sound. Analyses of photographs from dozens of classic and contemporary films and videos provide a sound basis for the professional filmmaker and student editor. This book puts into context the storytelling choices an editor will have to make against a background of theory, history, and practice. This new edition has been updated to include the latest advances in digital video and nonlinear editing and explores the new trend of documentary as mainstream entertainment, using films such as "Farenheit 9/11" and "The Fog of War" as examples.

* Learn how to strengthen your story and engage your audience through the editing process

* Examples, analysis, and film stills from great movies

* Includes a new chapter on the impact of documentaries "From D.W. Griffin to MTV, from silent movies to action films, Dancyger explores not only history, techniques, and the social aspects of film and video, but he also looks at how technology has affected film and video making and editing. This isn't a quick read but definitely worthwhile if you want to gain an understanding of what it takes to be an excellent director and editor." — Theano Nikitas, Camcorder & ComputerVideo

Praise for previous editions:

"Ken's additions to his book show all of us who love and study the craft of editing, a real understanding of the importance and stimulating impact editing has in helping tell a story, create mood, and shape characters."

--Sam Pollard, film editor, Girl 6, Clockers, Mo Better Blues

"Dancyger's book is an excellent introduction to the art of manipulating moving pictures and sound for students, amateurs, hobbiests and professionals alike." - Videomaker

"...a thoroughly "reader friendly" introduction and survey of proven editing techniques and how those techniques influence the editing process..." - The Bookwatch, Sept. 2006"

The Technique of FilmandVideo Editing provides a detailed, precise look at the artistic and aesthetic principles and practices of editing for both picture and sound. Analyses of photographs from dozens of classic and contemporary films and videos provide a sound basis for the professional filmmaker and student editor. This book puts into context the storytelling choices an editor will have to make against a background of theory, history, and practice. This new edition has been updated to include the latest advances in digital video and nonlinear editing and explores the new trend of documentary as mainstream entertainment, using films such as "Farenheit 9/11" and "The Fog of War" as examples.

* Learn how to strengthen your story and engage your audience through the editing process

* Examples, analysis, and film stills from great movies

* Includes a new chapter on the impact of documentaries

The Technique of Film & Video Editing provides a detailed, precise look at the artistic and aesthetic principles and practices of editing for both picture and sound. Analyses of photographs from dozens of classic and contemporary films and videos provide a sound basis for the professional filmmaker and student editor. This book puts into context the storytelling choices an editor will have to make against a background of theory, history, and practice. This new edition has been updated to include the latest advances in digital video and nonlinear editing and explores the new trend of documentary as mainstream entertainment, using films such as "Farenheit 9/11" and "The Fog of War" as examples.

* Learn how to strengthen your story and engage your audience through the editing process

* Examples, analysis, and film stills from great movies

* Includes a new chapter on the impact of documentaries

Ken Dancyger is the author of numerous books on screenwriting, editing, and production. He conducts screenwriting forums and workshops in North America, Europe, and Asia. A past chair of Undergraduate studies in the Department of Film and Television at NYU, he is currently Professor of Film and Television at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.

Professor of Film and Television at Tisch School of the Arts at New York University as well as the author of numerous books on screenwriting, editing, and production.

Introduction; The Silent Period; The Early Sound Film; The Influence of the Documentary; The Influence of the Popular Arts; Editors Who Became Directors; Experiments in Editing: Alfred Hitchcock; New Technologies; International Advances; The Influence of Television and Theatre; New Challenges to Filmic Narrative Conventions; The MTV Influence on Editing I; The MTV Influence on Editing II; The Influence of Psychoanalytic Ideas on Editing; The Appropriation of Style I : Imitation and Innovation; The Appropriate of Style II: Limitation and Innovation; Action; Dialogue; Comedy; Documentary; Imaginative Documentary; Innovations in Documentary; More Innovations in Documentary; Ideas and Sound; The Picture Edit and Continuity; The Picture Edit and Pace; Changes in Pace; The Sound Edit and Clarity; The Sound Edit and Creative Sound; Innovations in the Use of Sound; Nonlinear Editing and Digital Technology I; Nonlinear Editing and Digital Technology II; Altering Reality Using Digital Visuals and Sound; Conclusion