Watertown High Media & Video Production -

Edwin S. Porter: One of the pioneers of edited filmmaking, worked at film laboratory of Thomas Alva Edison in the late 1890s. Cuts were made inside the camera, cranking when finished. Special effects were also made this way. Georges Méliès was able to stop the camera after detonating a magic puff of smoke in front of his actor, then began the camera again after the actor has left the stage, making it seem as if the actor has magically vanished. He was one of the first filmmakers to incorportate multiple exposures, time-lapse photography, dissolves, and hand-painted color in his films.
Trip to the Moon

Life of an American Fireman 1903

The Great Train Robbery (Video)

Before Porter’s film most films were short films that were one long, unmoving, locked down shots. Motion stunned and intrigued audiences enough so editing wasn’t necessarily even needed. There was no story and no editing involved. Timing of films were determined by how much film was in the camera.

Workers Exiting a Factory (Example of early “Motion Pictures)

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Editing Blog

March 1, 2011 by msventurawhs

This week we will continue to learn about editing in Final Cut Pro, whereby we are editing “shots.” For homework, Due Monday, March 7, I would like for you to identify your favorite film of all time. In a blog, I would like for you to tell me why it is a your favorite film. From there I want you to research who edited that film.

Once you have identified the editor, try to find information about the editor such as interviews, etc.
In your blog, include any links/picture/videos you can find about the editor or the editing process.

Finally, discuss why editing is so important in filmmaking.

Film Editing Glossary

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