the use of Final Cut Pro and started scanning through all our takes; some of which where great and worked with our idea and others that simply could not have been used; over exposure or members of the group were seen in the background. Either way we still continued sorting through both the good and the bad rushes. A folder was then developed with shots that we knew would work and some that we knew that we would incorporate later on in the video. Initially, however we were a little overwhelmed with how much footage we had shot and were worried that we couldn’t capture all the moments in a three minute clip. After our first session in the editing suite we had only created the ‘logbin’ so we knew that we had to fasten the pace of editing and balance our time with extra sessions or simply work more sufficiently. Overall as a group we seemed to agree with each others editing techniques or ideas and we all knew that we were going to subvert any video convention in the editing process. To add to this ‘edgy’ portrayal of characters, the use of handheld also increased this urban decay theme.Whilst editing, we followed our story board as strictly as we could, but with the spontaneous filming and on-the-go action it was hard to follow on the shoot day. However, we tried to regain a sense of strong narrative that we created in the storyboard using Final Cut Pro. This is one of the many advantages of using a programme like this because so many after effects can be used and the whole shoot can be ‘turned on its head’ through the use of manipulation.
As a few more editing sessions went by, in lessons and extra time the video was becoming more of a narrative and it became easier for us to establish what rushes would be added or erased and if extra effects could be placed to emphasise our meaning. As we were looking for more rushes to potential use, we came across some that were too over exposed to use. We can to realise that one of the cameras was not white balanced before filming. Unfortunately for us, this me
ant that nearly half of ort filming was ruined. This was a complete turn around for us as before we thought we had multiple rushes to choose from and were spoilt for choice. It just shows that on the day it is key to captured everything at least twice and run over time if necessary to ensure the shots are captured. Luckily, there was a solution. With technology like we are using nearly everything is possible. Film can always be manipulated using the right techniques and programmes. We discovered Adobe After Effects. This allows shots to merge into the same colour as the next shot. For example, if one scene was cut into the next and both scenes were to represent similar time periods, one could be darkened or the other brightened to match. For us, we will be using that process at the very end once we have cut and finished the video. This is the perfect opportunity to tweak our video to finalise the original hypothesis.As well as our four opinions we had the help of Matt and Luke who work for the media department. They really helped us with a second opinion and with a large amount of experience in this area they gave us some great advice of what to change and why;
The establishing shot was too long
One specific scene that did not work
At this stage we found it almost hard to accept advice and change the video. As a group when we had spent hours in the edit suite and perfecting it to our own judgement criticism was even harder to take. However, we thought through the new ideas but still could not bring ourselves to adapt the video. We are aware that this is a huge risk not to listen to second, experienced opinions but the video is ours so, as a group we must make the final decision.
Our editing technique subverts all conventions of pop videos, by using discontinuity editing; “The deliberate or accidental violation of rules of continuity when editing.” Our use of editing has created threatening and an edgy message. Typically, diagonal lines and strong shapes represent danger and fear. With the use of strong lines in the derelict land and simplistic linear lines in the studio, the theme of the narrative is constantly apparent. The use of slow motion and handheld cameras only emphasise this point of controversial and edgy editing. With
not one static shot, the filming technique really drills home the impact of the film; the fast, strong and violent behaviour. One particular shot of the car explosion, we used slow motion to emphasise the busy frame of action. With only one chance to set the car a light we decided to film with one camera in normal mode and the other in slow motion. That way be captured the action with two different techniques. Fortunately, the slow motion selection was a good one and it has effectively and given the video a lift.
