The Art of the Edit - Session 1
September 23rd, 2025
Virtual
This online, interactive workshop series is designed to introduce beginner filmmakers to the power of editing as a storytelling tool.
Workshop Overview
Audience: All beginner level filmmakers
Format: Live virtual workshops (Zoom or Google Meet)
Session Length: 1.5 hours plus 30-minute optional Q&A
Focus: Storytelling through editing — not software tutorials
Instructor Style: Media educator with over 30 years in journalism, education, and hands-on filmmaking. Focused on empowerment, and creative clarity.
Session 1: Cutting with Purpose — Intro to Editing and the 321 Rule
Pre-Session Materials
About Me Letter: Personal story and teaching philosophy
PDF Terminology Guide: Key editing terms with visuals
YouTube Clip Links: Examples of strong editing choices
Practice Video Download: Raw footage for students to edit
Workshop Expectations: Clear note that software will not be taught
Link for the session will be sent to everyone registered the day before the session.
Live Breakdown (1.5 Hours)
0:00–0:10 Welcome and Icebreaker
Students share favorite movie scenes and why they stuck — opens discussion on emotional impact and editing’s role
0:10–0:25 What Is Editing?
Editing as emotional architecture. Instructor shares examples from journalism and youth-led projects
0:25–0:45 The 321 Rule
Three angles, two shots, one cutaway — students analyze clips and discuss how this rule builds dynamic scenes
0:45–1:05 Shot Types and Scene Breakdown
Wide, medium, close-up, insert — students identify shot types in clips and discuss how each contributes to story
1:05–1:25 Live Demo
Instructor edits a short scene using the 321 Rule, narrating choices. Students ask questions and suggest edits
1:25–1:30 Homework Briefing
Students begin a one-minute edit using the 321 Rule. They can use provided footage or film their own
Optional 30-Minute Q&A
Mentoring, concept review, creative feedback
Students share early ideas or ask for guidance
September 23rd, 2025
Virtual
This online, interactive workshop series is designed to introduce beginner filmmakers to the power of editing as a storytelling tool.
Workshop Overview
Audience: All beginner level filmmakers
Format: Live virtual workshops (Zoom or Google Meet)
Session Length: 1.5 hours plus 30-minute optional Q&A
Focus: Storytelling through editing — not software tutorials
Instructor Style: Media educator with over 30 years in journalism, education, and hands-on filmmaking. Focused on empowerment, and creative clarity.
Session 1: Cutting with Purpose — Intro to Editing and the 321 Rule
Pre-Session Materials
About Me Letter: Personal story and teaching philosophy
PDF Terminology Guide: Key editing terms with visuals
YouTube Clip Links: Examples of strong editing choices
Practice Video Download: Raw footage for students to edit
Workshop Expectations: Clear note that software will not be taught
Link for the session will be sent to everyone registered the day before the session.
Live Breakdown (1.5 Hours)
0:00–0:10 Welcome and Icebreaker
Students share favorite movie scenes and why they stuck — opens discussion on emotional impact and editing’s role
0:10–0:25 What Is Editing?
Editing as emotional architecture. Instructor shares examples from journalism and youth-led projects
0:25–0:45 The 321 Rule
Three angles, two shots, one cutaway — students analyze clips and discuss how this rule builds dynamic scenes
0:45–1:05 Shot Types and Scene Breakdown
Wide, medium, close-up, insert — students identify shot types in clips and discuss how each contributes to story
1:05–1:25 Live Demo
Instructor edits a short scene using the 321 Rule, narrating choices. Students ask questions and suggest edits
1:25–1:30 Homework Briefing
Students begin a one-minute edit using the 321 Rule. They can use provided footage or film their own
Optional 30-Minute Q&A
Mentoring, concept review, creative feedback
Students share early ideas or ask for guidance