… for Random Weirdness

Tip #1269: 5 Basic Filmmaking Principles

Larry Jordan – LarryJordan.com

None of these are “magic,” but, sometimes, we forget. Here’s a reminder.

This article first appeared in MotionArray.com. This is a summary.

Editing is powerful, but good editing takes time, patience, and practice. The way you edit can either push your viewers away or draw them in. In this tutorial, we’ll explore five practical film editing principles you can start using immediately.

These include:

1. Avoid Jump Cuts
2. Use Relevant B-Roll
3. Cut on Motion
4. The 180° Rule
5. What’s Your Motivation?

Editing is where the real magic happens in filmmaking, and the quality of it can make or break your project. These five basic film editing principles may sound very simple. Still, once you’ve learned them, you’ll be astounded at how much difference they make towards making an edit look smooth, believable, and just far more professional.

EXTRA CREDIT

The linked article has a tutorial video, plus additional description of each of these tips.