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Editing and Software
My previous experience in editing lies primarily in making short films for college projects. I also had several YouTube channels over my younger years which gave me a basic grounding in editing (cutting sound and video). I have only ever worked in DaVinci resolve and would describe my ability as an advanced beginner. I am reasonably comfortable in colour grading and basic visual effects. I have learned this through several YouTube tutorials as I needed them. I think, in editing, my strengths lie in sound design, as showcased in the video on the right, which is a trailer I made with 3 of my friends for a college project. Reflecting on it now, this trailer was truly the start of my editing journey.
What have I learned
Before this process, I viewed the editing process largely as stitching together other people’s work. Through experience, I now understand editing as an art form in its own right. Each second held on a shot carries meaning, and the responsibility that comes with shaping time and rhythm is significant. What surprised me most was the level of passion editors have for their craft; hearing editors speak about their work made clear the depth of care and intention involved.
How do I work the software now
Initially, I found editing software intimidating. The number of tabs and options presented endless possibilities, both for great filmmaking and for mistakes. Over time, my focus has shifted from trying to understand everything to asking how I can use what I already know to achieve the film I want to make. I now break tasks down into manageable problems, accepting that I am not an expert and am not expected to be one. I approach the software as a working relationship, learning little and often, and using external resources when needed to move projects forward.
How has this influenced my acting
Learning about editing has significantly changed how I approach acting, particularly in relation to continuity and post-production. While I was aware of continuity errors as a viewer, I had not fully considered how my performance choices could either support or complicate the editor’s work. Understanding the post-production process has made me more conscious of consistency, clarity, and restraint in performance. I have moved away from a casual “fix it in post” attitude and now aim to make deliberate choices on set that support the edit, recognising acting and editing as a collaborative relationship rather than separate processes.
Further Development
Moving forward, I want to return to the fundamentals of editing, particularly cutting. While cutting was one of the first skills I learned, I have come to understand that the difference between a good cut and a bad one is significant, and that this skill deserves focused attention. Previously, I aimed to be broadly competent across many areas of editing, which left me spread too thin. Refining core skills would strengthen my work more effectively. I also hope to develop greater trust in my own intuition, relying less on external instruction and allowing myself to make mistakes, experiment, and understand the editing process more deeply and organically.
