Rough Edit!
Right so we’ve got a rough edit done. It is in no sense of
the word perfect but it’s a start.
I think that the pace is one of its biggest downfalls, it’s
very inconsistent and distracts the audience from the film. For us, the pace is
actually very important as we want to create a sense of a build up and a crescendo
in the film. As it moves from the tourist view of the village too the one steeped
in mysticism. Also it will help to
create drama in the piece. The thing with the pace is that the film is very
jumpy anyways so the challenge will be is t make it flowing enough to be
watchable and still jumpy enough to create a sense of unease.
Another aspect that needs t be polished is the idea that
there are two halves in the film, there are two different worlds encroaching in
each other. In order to show this the most basic out line is that we have ‘tourist
Edale’, then a turning point, then ‘witch Edale’. We have decided that the best
shot for a turning point is a shot of the nettles. This idea is taking shape in
the rough edit yet it needs a lot of fine tuning.
One thing about the rough edit is that it moves around quite
a lot there is does not stick to the outline that we initially planned. In
other words it does at points feel like a random collection of shots. This is
there fore something we must address in the final edit.
Another problem that we have highlighted is that it does
seem a little boring at points. Especially in the second half it is simply shot
after shot of apparent ‘witchy things’.
To address this we are going to put in flashes of each world in the
other. This will create the idea that they are encroaching on each other.
I found the edit tutorial really helpful. Not only does it
help to get an outside perspective but to hear a tutor’s opinion on the working
process before the final presentation relieves the pressure slightly. It allows
you to take a step back and critically evaluate your work before the final
presentation. This was invaluable for Poppy and I as it highlighted these issues.
We had some idea of its downfalls but having them pointed out really helped us
identify and sort them out. Another thing that was helpful about the tutorial
was hearing an audience point of view. It was clear we had not met our
intentions completely in conveying the theme but we are getting there.
One thing I will say about the film even at this stage is
that I think it has a really strong theme and because of this I think the film
is made more effective. The idea of having two different worlds competing with
each other in the context of this village. This paint a certain image of this
place, we’re not trying to portray a battle ground but show what can be going
on underneath the surface and the atmosphere of tension that this creates.
So, to conclude, yes the film has a long way to go in terms
of editing but is heading along the right path. We have a strong thematic
element that will help us as we create the fine cut.