Prelim Task: Post Production

After filming the footage for our prelim task, it was time to edit it using Final Cut Pro. All the footage is stored in a file sever in a central computer in the editing suite which each group could access using their own respective computer.  We checked in Final Cut Server to obtain our footage and we checked out once we were done editing our work. All this footage was stored in a folder called the Rushes Bin. We then had to skim through all the footage and choose the clips that we thought were useful. We chose the clips where the dialogues were clear, the actors were well seen and the lighting and angles were flattering. We also thought about how these clips could be juxtaposed with others in order to clearly narrate the story.thinking when we  These clips were then dragged to the Log Bin in Final Cut Pro. The clips that we definitely wanted the video to contain were dragged into the timeline (we followed the storyboard…), which where you can actually edit them – cut and join them to other clips. After we were done editing for the day, we would check out our saved work back to the file server.

When editing, we had to make sure the joined clips were seamless, making sure there was continuity editing throughout the video. To achieve this, we used the arrows on the keyboard to choose the exact point at which one clip matches is the other. For example, the door’s position in the establishing shot had to be in the exact same position in the wide shot which was immediately after it. It had to be precise. I discovered that even a single frame forward or behind can make all the difference.

In addition to that, we had to make sure that the story was clear and that the film language could be easily interpreted. This was achieved by organising the shots in a specific order. Also, we had to make sure the prop we used (the keys) was juxtaposed correctly so that the story could be correctly understood.  The right shot of the right person in the right angle with the appropriate camera movement had to be placed in the right place in order for the sequence to make sense in terms of film language. We initially had to experiment juxtaposing different angled shots with each other in so we could see which combination looked the best. We then added that to our sequence.


We had a choice of either following the storyboard provided to us, or we could reconstruct the sequence as long as it followed the basic structure of the story. We chose to opt for a combination of both. At times, the story made best sense when the clips were edited according to the storyboard however we sometimes felt that by adding a specific clip that wasn't in the storyboard, for example the close up of the keys, made a large difference in the effect the audience would have when viewing it. It added a sense of mystery to the general theme of the sequence. In addition to that, when choosing the shots and editing them, we had to make sure it followed continuity editing. The different angled clips when juxtaposed together had to be coherant and seamless in order for the narration to be explicit.