The First Challenge: Editing

So there I was in class on Thursday, having my eyes opened to the world of editing and sound. I also learned about all the different aspects that must come together in harmony to create a great, not just good, movie. The fact that it all starts on paper (aka script) interested me, because it seems the writer gets much less credit for a film. Yeah, you've heard of many famous directors, such as Stephen Spielberg, but what about the scriptwriter(s)? I like writing creatively, because I can do almost anything in a story with my handy keyboard, but that doesn't mean what I write is necessarily deemed perfect by my readers. So, I guess that's where the director comes in, because he knows his vision and can take the writer's and run with it. Even if it's in a totally new direction.

But what about all the other little people, like the boom operator? Every single person involved has a purpose, no matter how small, in the making of the final product. When we watched the Behind the Scenes films on Lord of the Rings, the sound department seemed so much more important than I ever realized. They had to think critically and creatively about what sounded best in each situation, and had to find ways to create the perfect sound for that situation. From blending animals sounds together to recording giant boulders being dropped, they added so much to the viewing experience by doing so.

We also learned about the importance of editing in a movie. You have to make the shots work together and not against each other to make the story as smooth as possible. You aren't required to make a long, one-scene narrative, but you can have breaks in the story to highlight the main points without having to explain the missing places in between. Before editing, a movie is rough, and I like to think of it as your rough draft when writing a paper. It could include disorganized pieces of information or thoughts strung together without any smooth transition. But, you go in and rearrange it, or mold it into something easy and pleasing to read. Every little change makes a big difference, it's knowing which ones work and which ones don't, and using that knowledge to appeal to your target audience.

Now We Take the First Step...

I have always been a TV and movie addict, ever since I developed the attention span to do so. I mostly watched cartoons, and animated movies, and they were like candy; I always wanted more. Two of my favorite movies were Snow White and Aladdin, and I knew every word to the songs they would sing. Movies were important to me because they told a story, and I could escape reality for 1 to 2 hours by dropping myself right in the middle of it. At school, we learned the hard facts, and the facts of life. At home, I got a break from all the worries and cares of the world to immerse myself in this moving picture, one with vivid colors, amusing dialogue, and amazing songs. It made my imagination soar with the possibilities; I felt like I could do anything I set my mind to.

Though I have been curious how movies, or moving pictures, came to be I never really looked into it. This class can be referred to my introduction into the world of film and film-making. I've also never been a history buff, but the stories behind early moving pictures really inspired interest in learning more. Edward Muybridge and his galloping horse, George Melias and his magic stop-motion films, and Edwin Porter's scenes depicting real life were all so interesting to hear about. It also made me appreciate even more the advances in technology today that allow us to do so much movies, that it can almost take your breath away.

Presently, I'm still in love with all movies, from the goriest horror movie to the sweetest romance. If a movie is anything like reading a great book, and I love it, then I probably won't mind watching it, or at least giving it a chance. Sadly, I'm a busy student right now, so I don't necessarily get to watch everything I'd like to, but I treasure the moments I get to escape reality again in a theater or just my living room. Now, I feel like knowing what goes on behind-the-scenes in making a movie (or creating a masterpiece) will cause me to appreciate them that much more. Or maybe I'll be much more critical of them. But either way, I'm ready and willing to take the challenge and complete this journey. I'll be that much better for it when I do.