Visual Cuts & Transitions (Reflection for Scene 2)

                                                        Reflecting on the Editing!!

Context: In my previous post on Visual Cuts and transitions implementation for scene 2, I brought the previously learned concepts and plans to reality. This post will reflect on each action and its consequences, all from an editor's perspective implementing my Editor Role by shaping the story.

sequences: A realistic narrative, adhering to a point of view that immerses the audience and begins with real tension (thriller), instantly creating questions, while providing tangibility of events.

• Decision: Use only straight cuts; do not add transitions.

Consequence: I shape a cohesively progressive narrative that facilitated the establishment of the event's setting, linked elements from the previous scene in a subtle manner, allowed for the introduction of the protagonist, and provided time for the audience to connect with her—thereby incorporating the objectives of the thriller genre.

• Decision: Cut the phone shot into segments in order to make the necessary adjustments.

Consequence: This opened up the opportunity to implement cohesive changes—though I must admit that cutting it was by no means easy. It took more than fifteen attempts to find the precise moment to make the cut so that the transition would make sense; this made me realize just how much motion occurs within a matter of seconds. However, it succeeded in making a cut that—when the pieces are spliced ​​together—does not look disjointed but rather appears visually continuous.

• Decision: Change the color of the second fragment.

Consequence: Shaped the shot to achieve the intended shift and impact, as the desired contradiction was conveyed through *mise-en-scène*.

• Decision: Changing the speed—slowing down the second segment

Consequence: provided the necessary time for the audience to register the shift and heightened the tension of the moment.

Highlight: By separating the plan and be able to try cuts and then transitions and then an amalgamation of both, it allow me to conduct a better evaluation and reflection of how each decision shape the story. But at the same time it help me implement the editing tips and structure to ensure a successful editing process blogs.

Image showing the division of folders (organization)

Takeaways & Lessons: After reflecting on each decision, I can conclude that I am satisfied with the edits implemented; I feel that each one helps shape the impact seek since the beginning, and there are no edits that feel forced. By reflecting on singular and conjucted context of the impact of the shape of scene 2 on scene 1 and vice versa, it can be seen how our narrative developed significantly from this editing

Visual Cuts & Transitions (Implementation for Scene 2)

                                                         Implementing the Editing!!

Context: In my two previous blog posts (Visual Cuts & Transitions Research and *Planning for Scene 2) I outlined the editing elements that I will be implemented in this post.

Implementation #1: In the video below, you can see the implementation of straight cuts throughout the entire scene—without transitions—thereby demonstrating an execution exactly as planned.

Scene 2

Implementation #1: In the images below, you can see in detail how I edited the cut.

Before change

After pressing change

Editing shot

Section of speed edit

Speed range editing

Speed range editing The image above shows the moments before the cute (Finger pressing)- the colors and mood remain normal.

The following image shows the moment after pressing the button (the mise en scenes changes is happening)

The image above provides more context for the implementation. By analyzing it slowly and repeatedly, I found the best or most precise moment to cut it (using the scissor tool on the left). I was able to fragment this shot and split it into two. The division is visible in the yellow line. Doing this allowed me to divide the sections and edit their color (I chose a degree of deep low with an intensity of 81 to show the change). The importance of the color grading lies in what marks and emphasizes this change and implements the plan to highlight the depressing and loss of creativity and integrity. Furthermore, you can observe in the following image a change in shot size due to speed. 

Note: The original footage was very fast, so I decided to slow down the second fragment to evoke more impact and shape the visualization of something being lost, while keeping the speed change as subtle as possible so as not to stop or pause the tension and force the moment.

Note: In an upcoming blog post, I will reflect on this implementation.

The video bellows implement all this editing together for this section:

Phone shot edited

Takeaways & Lessons: During this editing process, I realized the critical importance of the timing of the cut—as it shifts the entire perspective—and also learned that every element—such as color, cuts, and speed—shapes the narrative in distinct ways; when combined, these elements bring the original plan to life.

Visual Cuts & Transitions (Planning for Scene 2)

                                                                 Plan for the Edit!!

Context: In my previous blog post of "Visual Cuts & Transitions: A research Study" I was able to learn the basic elements on how to edit properly our narrative.

In this blog I'll be describing and analyzing my plan for which cuts and/or transitions I would implement for scene 2.

Given the contextual foundation established in Scene One, my plan is to utilize exclusively "straight cuts" throughout Scene Two. For cuts in scene two is:

Reasoning: Upon analyzing Scene One—which is highly dynamic and filled with numerous transitions designed to generate mystery and suspense—after discussing with the production team and implementing my perspective and intuition as and editor, we decided that Scene Two should adopt a calmer pace. This allows the audience time to settle in, connect the dots, and focus on the narrative thus, providing the  time to assimilate what is unfolding and grasp the connection between the two scenes, and giving me the opportunity to shape the opening of the thriller genre, while maintaining the fundaments of mystery created by scene 1.

 Furthermore, Scene Two features a pivotal event: the introduction of the protagonist. As I learned in previous blog posts regarding thriller genre conventions, I must implement strategies that give the audience sufficient time to connect with the protagonist. This helps establish a clearer tone that facilitates the integration of narrative elements and the intended genre.

Plan: I plan specifically the use of straight cuts throughout the entire scene. 

As indicated by the previous research (cuts & transition), this type of cut allows me to shape the narrative in a way that maintains continuity—thereby enhancing the story's cohesiveness—while doing so on a solid foundation that amplifies emotional impact and gradually reveals a deeper meaning within the narrative=thriller.

Next: After analyzing the context that the cinematographer and director established through the *mise-en-scène*, there is one specific shot that catches my attention.

This shot can be seen in the extract below from Scene 2.

Original Footage without cuts

The placement of this shot is significant because—as established within the narrative—it signals a shift in the character's feelings and thoughts; specifically, the moment the music track titled "Integrity" stops, it demonstrates that this core value has vanished.

For this reason, I want to give this particular shot a distinct visual form, as its current presentation fails to provide the necessary emphasis.

Therefore, to ensure the intended impact is achieved—by controlling the shot size to build tension and delivering that moment of realization to the audience since they can connect one of the previous shots in the scene one (where the poster appear and it says "Trapped"-Integrity is fading) 

I plan to do this through a cut—my plan is to make the edit at the precise instant the protagonist presses the "stop" button, the environment transforms, plunging into darkness and thereby reflecting the stark contrast between integrity (light, truth, virtue) that was build during all scene 2 through the colorful drawings, to darker colors (evil, corruption), also emphasizing loss of creativity.

Visual representation of the concept above

Takeaways & Lessons: By connecting elements from Scene 1 to Scene 2, I was able to identify shots of significant importance, which allowed me to plan an effective structure that highlights and further shapes the purpose and impact of it.

I also learned that even a simple plan is essential for maintaining clarity regarding my intentions—specifically, to check that I'm establishing the narrative elements and clearly introducing the genre and protagonist, the way it was set by the team.

Visual Cuts & Transitions (Reflection for Scene 1)

                                                         Reflecting on the Editing!!

Context: In my previous post on Visual Cuts and transitions implementation for scene 1, I brought the previously learned concepts and plans to reality. This post will reflect on each action and its consequences, all from an editor's perspective implementing my Editor Role by shaping the story.

Note: this decision allows me to successfully implement what I learn in the shot size blog by having various proportioned shot sizes and my job is to craft them in the editing process to give their rhythm, perspective, impact/effect, story beats, and focus wanted.

• Decision: Cut, then insert a fade to black.

Consequences: A realistic narrative, adhering to a point of view that immerses the audience and begins with real tension (thriller), instantly creating questions, while providing tangibility of events.

• Decision: Fade to black before the 1-C-2.

Consequence: Creates context and an introduction that captures attention. In the future, audio can be implemented to further enhance this, but it also prepares the audience for a surprise that doesn't feel abrupt but rather real, strongly emphasizing the mystery genre.

• Decision: Fade to black between shots.

Consequence: Having the same transition to change shots results in a cohesive change, bringing a refreshing atmosphere while maintaining the narrative's logic- It builds visual continuity and a unique perception. This pattern builds the audience's anticipation, anticipating something new while keeping them guessing about where and when it will happen.

• Decision: Direct Cuts for the rest of shots.

Consequence: Not overused transitions and create a continuous narrative.

• Decision: Change the cover shot 1-C-1

Consequence: A more subtle and aesthetically pleasing change that follows the focus of the first shot from a first-person perspective, giving us the appropriate space to introduce another perspective and guiding the audience through the narrative effectively.

• Decision: Match-Cut and Zoom

Consequence: Although a small change, it creates the opportunity to implement creative ways to visually attract attention, placing the shots in a way that allows for playing with the shape of priorities in a subtle and natural way draws the audience in. Adding the zoom increases the intensity, creating a clear point: the important factor is the book; something is going to happen. Who put it there is important, but the book is the causal agent—an introduction of elements previously planned in the Narrative Elements blog.

Highlight: By separating the plan and be able to try cuts and then transitions and then an amalgamation of both, it allow me to conduct a better evaluation and reflection of how each decision shape the story. But at the same time it help me implement the editing tips and structure to ensure a successful editing process blogs.

Image showing the division of folders (organization)

Transition, Cuts and the amalgamation.

Takeaways and Lessons: After reflecting on each decision, I can conclude that I am satisfied with the edits implemented; I feel that each one helps shape the beginning of our story, and there are no edits that feel superfluous or detract from the quality. Reflecting on both the individual effects and the broader context of the scene undoubtedly further shaped my perspective and reaction as an editor; furthermore it can be seen how our narrative developed significantly from what we have originally (Scene 1 original can be found in shot list-Editing Elements (Implementation Scene #1) Blog) to where is it now (after the editing)

Note: There may be changes to further enhance the editorial quality, but this is a matter to be discussed with the production team.

Visual Cuts & Transitions (Implementation for Scene 1)

                                                        Implement the Editing!!

Context: In my two previous blog posts (Visual Cuts & Transitions Research and *Planning for Scene 1) I outlined the editing elements that I will be implementing in this post.

Lesson/correction #1: In my initial plan, I intended to use "blinking cuts," but this was a mistake. While editing, I learned that I actually needed to split this process into two parts:

-Cut scene 1-C-2 into various fragments that would allow me to incorporate the "fade to black"—a specific transition—in a way that felt right and cohesive.

Note: This shot is the only one in this scene that will feature multiple cuts, and the whole scene currently has no audio, with the purpose of implementing my Editing Tips blog of focusing on the visual and be able to analyze them properly.

So, here is the implementation:

In the image below, it shows how I began cutting the shot.

Cuts in Scene 1-C-2

In the image below, it shows how I implemented the "fade to black" transition across these cuts.

Fade to black transitions implemented in the previous established cuts.

Note: the orange represents the transition and the yellow the cuts.

After reviewing the footage for a while, I decided to implement the idea of ​​having the "fade to black" begin both before and after the shot itself is displayed. And as a way of compelling the coverage shot to coverage shot to the rest of shots. (Image below shows this)

 

Fade to black to show transitions between shots

2) Implementation of match cut- See the extract below

Match Cut in the last fragment of scene 1

I also want to emphasize more the importance of the name of the book that appear in the corner so I did some cuts (see image below) to add  fade to black again, and then I duplicate the shot were the book appear and zoom it a little bit more (see 2nd image below)

Cuts and Transitions (Fade to black)

Previous shot show acronym of the title of the book.

Duplicate shot of the previous one, with zoom in the book to emphasize the acronym.

Next: we change Scene 1-C-1 to the same concept different shot because we want more context, narrative, mystery by following POV that happen in 1-C-2 and then cohesively transition to a third POV , also we were able to include the credits in a smooth way, and fix the spelling mistake that I make in the poster that appear in the door in 1-C-1 original 

Problem: 

1-C-1 Original

Solution:

1-C-1 Correction

Assemble: The extract below shows scene 1 with the implementations of all the cuts, and transitions.

Scene 1 with Editing elements implemented

Note: In an upcoming blog post, I will reflect on what worked and what didn't, as well as the decisions I made based on this implementation process.

Takeaways & Lessons: By working with a structure and editing step by step, I generated ideas during the process that awakened my editorial sensibility and helped improve the narrative; when I pieced the fragments together, it became evident how each change even the smalls one affected (give shape) to the entire scene. Highlighting the importance of the Editing Process.

Visual Cuts & Transitions (Planning for Scene 1)

                                                                 Plan for the Edit!!

Context: In my previous blog post, "Cuts & Transitions: A Research Study," I investigated the difference between these two types of elements used in editing and how they relate to our narrative.

In this blog post, I'll outline my plan for which cuts and transitions to implement (visual no audio).

It will also plan upon the foundation laid in the "Shot List - Editing Elements (Implementation Scene #1)" blog post.

It's important to mention that, since there are several scenes, I plan to break them down one by one and plan them separately to apply what I learned in "Editing Tips Research Structure to Ensure a Successful Editing Process (Planning)." successfully using my organization skills.

This blog post only mentions Scene #1.

Beginning of Scene 1 without cuts

1) At the beginning of this shot, I realized that everything is very monotonous and lacks development or emotion. For this reason, my plan is to implement my role as editor by giving this scene more shape and life. Initially, with a first-person point of view, I plan to better capture the emotion and allow the audience to become more immersed in the moment (Thriller). So, after reviewing the scene, I noticed that the very first action is a fall followed by continued running. Therefore, I thought, why not cut this shot into several fragments and transition to black, first before showing any image, then when he falls, when he gets up, and at least two other times while he's running, to give the perception that we are blinking, reflecting exhaustion and immediately creating doubt and the feeling that something is off(mystery).

2) Consequently, I thought of a transition to show the change of location (outside towards the door), so I plan to use the same blink to show that we moved from place to place and thus give the context that we continued with the same character.

Next:

In the last few shots, you can see our mysterious character leave the book, cross the street (as they're leaving), and the book stand is shown, then the focus shifts back to the book. This is shown in the excerpt below.

Original footage without cuts or transitions.

My plan, as shown in the drawing below, is to eliminate the shot where the focus remains on the book stand. I feel it's taking up space and there's no transition to the next shot where new information is provided and even weakness the tension created. To resolve this, I plan to use a match cut, cutting at the point where the character passes by and the focus shifts back to the book, creating tension with answers and thus successfully implementing an immediate connection.

Important: Even do the main purpose of the match-cut is to pass from scene or time, I adapted this cut to our context.

Drawing representing my plan for the cuts.

Takeaways & Lessons: Having entered the context and already having a narrative and footage, it was much clearer for me to think about cuts and transitions, thus reflecting that organization and doing things in the appropriate order brings benefits, but I also learned much more about how editing can change a "simple shot" to a unique-complex shot.

Visual Cuts & Transitions- A Research Study

                                                                Plan for the Edit!!

Context: Now that we have a clear narrative, and some of the footage, it's time to investigate cuts and transitions and how I can use them as an editor to create fluid, contrasting, or disruptive flows with the given shots.

Cuts

First lesson:

Cuts, defined as direct splicing between images, are used to go from one image to the next instantly. There are two types of cuts: Narrative and conceptual.

Together with technical and creative elements.

The continuity of Editing-Filmmaker IQ

The video above shapes the following lesson.

2nd lesson:

The cuts to the shape abrupt changes in pacing help our narrative to maintain momentum thus incorporating the mystery genre by increasing tension, maintaining suspense and creating confusion+doubts=attraction (as learned in The Mystery Genre in Films: A Research study & Film Opening Techniques & Elements in Mystery Genre Films (Research) blogs)

Takeaways: When and what to cut are two different aspects of editing, what to cut must be planned pre-production and during production (which I already done in the Editing elements implementation blogs), when to cut should be done post-production (which is what I will be planning in an upcoming post).

Transitions

Ultimate Guide to Scene Transitions-StudioBinder

The video above shapes the following lesson and takeaway:

Lesson: provide a smoother, more gradual shift that can evoke emotional responses.

This contributes to our narrative because, by appealing to emotions, progression, and understanding, the elements of a thriller would be included (applying the conventions learned in The Thriller Genre in Films: A Research Study & Film Opening Techniques in Thriller Genre Films (Research) blogs).

Takeaways: Since there is more than one scene, it would be appropriate to include a transition, both to implement and reinforce the genre, and also to give progression and shape to the already established narrative *Specially, when I will introduce the film title, but also for the rest of the shots to bring even more effects to the narrative already created.

Shot List- Editing Elements (Reflection Scene #2)

                                                             Reflecting on the Editing!!

Context: In my previous post on Editing elements: Implementation, I brought the previously learned concepts and plans into reality to a certain degree. This post will be reflecting on each possible option and how I arrived at a specific classification, all focusing from an editor's perspective.

Original Scene #2- Blue= Unsure, must try:

Shot of the Editing folder, where not coverage shots were used.

Shot of the Editing section, where not coverage shots were used.

This option, although not bad on its own at first glance, revealed a gap in the narrative's logic when I edited it. The shots didn't follow the established structure, and visually it looked strange and awkward, rushed and cutting in the middle of actions that created discomfort, distancing the audience from the emotion because it was too abrupt, instead of gradually intensifying it (challenging our purpose of including thriller conventions).

Scene #2 with Coverage Shots- Yellow= Favorite shot:

Shot of the Editing folder, where the Coverage shot was implemented.

Shot of the Editing section, where the Coverage shot was implemented.

What works: This shot adds much more context to the narrative. The shots create coherence of actions and develop the progression and intensification of Maria's emotions, giving space to understand the actions and reactions. It also gives the audience the opportunity to connect with the story since it feels like a real reaction (especially because the feelings appeal to real circumstances, like the frustration we've all experienced at some point, thus fulfilling the purpose of a thriller, which, as explained in the elements of this genre (blog), is to emphasize reality). However, there is a drawback: I need to improve the editing, as it looks choppy. I need to control the timing so that it looks like a continuous action and not just another separate shot.

Takeaways & Lessons: While editing, my perspective shifted because I realized that the location where the shot was planned and implemented changed circumstances and effects, unlike scene 1, where the priority was to attract attention and create mystery. The purpose of this scene was to intensify emotions and context to create a more direct connection with the audience, changing the structure to follow, and until I edit them, I was able to really see how it changes the context and the scene as a whole.

Shot List- Editing Elements (Reflection Scene #1)

                                                             Reflecting on the Editing!!

Context: In this post, I'll be discussing the effectiveness of each option in Scene #1, specifically from an editor's perspective, and why I decided to color-code it.

Original Scene #1 - Blue = Unsure, Must Try

What works: Analyzing the scene as the first shot, you can see that the focus immediately centers on the moving protagonist, which raises questions and relates to the mystery. However, placing it in this moment doesn't feel right. When I viewed it after editing, I realized that it not only looks forced but also doesn't grab attention. Especially since the beginning isn't explained in such a dark way, I feel like we're forcing the genre instead of letting it flow naturally. Furthermore, its abruptness meant that when I edited the subsequent shots, they didn't provide the audience with any context or time to analyze.

Shot of the Editing folder, where the original footage was used.

Shot of the Editing section, where the original footage was used.

Scene 1 With 1st Coverage Shot - Red/Blue = I don't feel it's going to work, but I must try.

What works: Placing this scene as the first image provides a clearer context of where we are, alluding to the poster which simultaneously lends credibility, suggesting that something is going to happen, "Trapped." While editing, I realized that it establishes the mystery right there; however, it still feels out of place because it remains forced. And when I was putting it in context with the other shots, it was still too fast, creating more confusion than mystery. Furthermore, the purpose of focusing on the door is not entirely clear.

Shot of the Editing folder, where the 1st Coverage was used.

Shot of the Editing section, where the 1st Coverage was used.

Scene 1 With 2nd Coverage Shot - Purple = Possible shot, or it can work.

What works: This scene is creative and immerses the audience because they feel like they have the same perspective as the character, experiencing and feeling that something is happening, creating mystery about why they are running, why they are in that place. I like it because it creates a moment of tension that increases and constantly draws the audience in. However, when I was editing, I noticed that it didn't complement the other shots very well, since the change of context happens too quickly and the connection to the same character isn't clear, which could risk losing our narrative.

Shot of the Editing folder, where the 2nd Coverages was used.

Shot of the Editing Section, where the 2nd Coverage was used.

Scene 1 With Both Coverage Shots - Yellow = Favorite Shots:

To be honest, this option was the most unexpected. At first, I thought it wouldn't work because there would be too much transition in too little time, and the audience would get lost. It would even highlight the weaknesses of each shot. However, after editing and reviewing it repeatedly, I realized the effect was completely the opposite, reflecting the importance of trying the Editing Tips Blog. Specifically, when I started shaping it, I analyzed and realized that placing the outside shot created immersion, and the following shot with the door implied that the same person was entering, creating context while increasing the mystery.

Shot of the Editing section, where Both Coverages were used.

Shot of the Editing section, where the 1st Coverage was used.

Note: The first images showcase how I edit every option in different sections (divided portfolios), to be able to focus and analyze each option in the best way possible. And the 2nd images, emphasize the location where I place the Editing, as planned/implemented.

Takeaway: editing changes the perspectives of a shot, and its effects depend on how I shape it and the decisions I make about what to include and how I'm guiding the narrative, all editing adapting to our goals and context.

Shot List - Editing elements (Implementation Scene #2)

                                                              Implement the Editing!!

Context: In my previous blog posts, the Shot List (Planning 1), Shot List-Editing elements (planning Scene #2) and Coverage Shots (Research) and Size Shots (Research), I explained the elements that I must include. This blog post details that implementation of everything above.

Important: This blog post will only cover the implementation of this concept in Scene #2.

In the image below it can be seen the Problem- Solving strategy, since originally the Director forgot the clapboard, we use a sheet of paper and hand signs instead, and the end it still accomplish the purpose, but also it results beneficial since when I was editing, I was able to see that the shots that weren't showing the clapboard were from scene 2.

Paper with Sign of Coverage shot

Signs with hand to specify Shot and take #

In the video below, it shows how the footage was included without cover shots (as originally written).

Original Scene #2

In the video below, it shows the footage with the coverage shots:

Scene 2 with Coverage Shot

Note: As mentioned before the reflection on what works and what doesn't, regarding the different options will be carried out in a subsequent post. 

Takeaways & Lessons: Having successfully implemented few coverage shots, during editing I was able to better visualize their impact, specifically how they fit the context and the thriller.

Editing it was a bit more complex because, even though it was only one scene, its location was about two-quarters of the way through the scene. However, by editing it in the planned order and emphasizing the key points, I have a very feasible option that can improve our production.