❓What does it look like for a video editor to be a great STORYTELLER?
I've been writing these daily posts for over a week now about what it looks like for an editor to be great at various aspects of the job. I've saved storytelling for last this week because I think it's a pretty obvious topic. Some people may say that editors are just "button pushers." But those people are embarrassing themselves. 😬
⭐ Here are a few things editors should know in order to be a great storyteller:
▶ Understanding arcs 🔎
What happened before this moment and what comes next? These are not just questions for the showrunner to ask. Having a clear handle on the story we're all trying to tell is essential. A good editor understands the scene arc. But a GREAT editor has a handle on the episode arc, the act arcs, the scene arc, the character arcs, and hopefully a general idea of the season arc.
▶ What are the stakes? ⚡
Stories without stakes are boring. Adding tension and conflict that makes sense (and doesn't feel fake or forced) and ultimately resolving it, is the key to a great story.
▶ Excellent pacing 🏃♀️
Great stories have ups and downs, fast moments and slow moments. Knowing when, where and how to pace the story can make or break moments like landing a joke, selling an idea, or living in the inner turmoil of a character. Pacing is a key tool in an editor's toolbox. 🔧
▶ Being a creative collaborator ✂
The main goal of the television editor is to help the vision of the showrunner and EP's come alive! But that doesn't mean we don't have creative cups to fill. We can and should make creative story choices in the edit that align with the showrunner's vision. Being a creative collaborator with your producers prevents burnout and allows an editor to feel like they're a valued member of the team.
🙋♀️ One of my favorite personal examples of this was when I was supposed to cut this serious scene for a show. As I watched the string out, I thought the reactions of one of the characters was HILARIOUS. I thought to myself... I wonder how this scene would be as a FUNNY scene? So I gave it a try! The Supervising Story Producer laughed so hard watching it down and couldn't believe I was able to squeeze comedy out of the content. We ended up sending it to the network and they essentially said, "I want all the scenes to be more like that." The lesson I learned was to give things a try and let my creativity soar, and usually it pays off. 🤩
👋 Are you looking for a creative collaborator who understands how to effectively tell a story? Fantastic, then click on my website below, watch my reel, and connect with me on Linkedin! I'd love to share what I can bring to the table on your next project. ⬇
