Grammar of the Edit

Christopher J. Bowen, Christopher Bowen

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2023
• Print ISBN: 9781032190150
• eBook ISBN: 9781000914306
• Edition: 5
• Topic: Media & Performing Arts
• Subtopic: Film & Video

This newly revised and updated fifth edition of Grammar of the Edit will teach anyone who needs to use video as a communication tool how to show more effective visual stories. This accessible resource presents both traditional and cutting-edge methodologies that address the all-important questions of when to cut and why, and teaches readers the principles behind selecting the best shots, cutting for continuity, pacing, editing sound, color correction, and more.

Designed as an easy-to-use guide, this book covers each topic succinctly with clear photographs and diagrams illustrating key concepts, complete with fun and practical exercises and quiz questions, as well as "from-the-field" examples, resulting in a staple text for any filmmaker's library.

New to the fifth edition:

• Instructional and student resources offer downloadable and editable raw footage so that students can practice the techniques described in the book, and instructional videos showcasing examples of different editing choices and types of shot transitions
• Thorough chapter content reviews and refreshed exercises and quizzes help test readers on their knowledge using real-world scenarios
• New section, Principles in Practice, concludes each chapter by presenting unique scenarios that a video maker may encounter in their own video-editing work and offers creative solutions and advice on how one might handle them

Together with its companion volume, Grammar of the Shot, the core concepts discussed in these books offer concise and practical resources for both experienced and aspiring filmmakers who wish to master their craft.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Half-Title Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Introduction
• Acknowledgments
• Chapter One – Video Editing: An Introduction to the Process
• Chapter Two – Understanding the Visual Material
• Chapter Three – Understanding the Audio Material
• Chapter Four – Assessing Footage: Selecting Shots for the Edit
• Chapter Five – When to Cut and Why: Factors That Lead to Strong Edits
• Chapter Six – Video Transitions and Edit Categories
• Chapter Seven – Editing Terms, Topics, and Techniques
• Chapter Eight – Concluding Thoughts: An Editor's Mindset
• Appendix A – Helpful Resources for Video Content Creators
• Appendix B – Crew Positions Commonly Needed for Motion Media Production
• Appendix C – Practice Script, “Hey. Hey.”
• Glossary
• Index