Mastering the Complex: Simple Video Editing Effects That Defy Expectations

Video editing isn't just about making things look prettier; it's an art form that often goes unnoticed by the viewer. Below, we explore two types of edits that, despite their simplicity, require a high degree of skill and pre-planning. We'll also delve into the challenges of color correction and color grading, scrutinized effects that enhance the emotional and visual depth of a video.

Understanding 'Form Edit'

Raw Form edits involve cutting between images that have a similar shape, without drawing direct attention to the cut. This technique is more commonly used to create a visual transition than to disrupt the narrative. An example might be cutting from a bird's-eye view of a helicopter propeller to a fan on someone's desk. Though seemingly simple, these edits are meticulously planned to ensure a seamless transition, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the video.

Helicopter propeller to a fan on a desk

Concept Edit: The Art of Suggestion

The concept edit, on the other hand, is a more sophisticated technique that uses visual cues to suggest an action rather than show it. This was popularized by the renowned filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein, who employed the power of montage in his films. One striking example is the scene in Apocalypse Now where, as Colonel Kurtz is about to be assassinated, the film intercuts between his death and a bull being slaughtered. As Kurtz faces his demise, the audience sees the beheading of the animal, providing a powerful emotional connection.

A concept edit can take on countless forms, such as in the Omen film where someone is hanging by their fingertips from a great height. The terrified woman watching from below as the person falls to their death is intercut with a glass of water falling and smashing on the floor. Both sequences are harrowing in their own right, and yet the intercut sequence suggests a complete and sudden death, heightening the emotional impact without the need for explicit action.

Oath of St. Denys in The Omen

Combining Form and Concept Edits

A prime example of merging these two techniques is the legendary 'bone to spaceship' edit from 2001: A Space Odyssey. As a primitive man throws a bone in the air, the shot transitions into a space ship spinning in space—a single edit with layers upon layers of meaning. This effect required meticulous planning, thoughtful execution, and a deep understanding of visual storytelling. The transition between the two worlds is not only seamless but also adds a profound symbolic significance to the scene.

The bone to spaceship edit from 2001: A Space Odyssey

The Art of Color Correction and Grading

Luminosity, temperature, and hue—these are just a few of the parameters controlled during color correction and color grading. While correction aims to make colors look realistic, grading is about creating a mood or specific aesthetic. It can be an incredibly challenging process, even for seasoned professionals.

For me, a relative novice in color grading, the process often requires stepping away to 'reset' my eyes. Each shot needs to match another, especially in mixed lighting conditions. A shot taken inside with incandescent lighting can look different from one shot through a window with sunlight. Trying to get one shot to match another in these conditions can be tricky and time-consuming.

Color correction process

Given the complexity, many professionals in the film industry have dedicated themselves to mastering this art. Colorists spend years honing their skills, and their work often goes unnoticed but is critical to the final product.

Conclusion

Mastering the seemingly simple extends far beyond the limits of visual art. From the careful choreography of form and concept edits to the precise calibration of color, the nuances of film editing demand a high level of skill, imagination, and patience. For novice and seasoned editors alike, these challenges are a testament to the enduring artistry of visual storytelling.