Are you enjoying the editing process?
The editing process is always the most difficult and longest part of the whole coursework. I think for the whole coursework, editing is the most challenging for me because it's not my strongest skill. Despite the very stressful work for this, I still enjoyed the editing process because I can see how the segments of footage come together and actually look like an actual MV.
Both Annie and I edited but I would say Annie did more work than I did, I specifically edited the opening, ending, and some middle bits of the song.
Programs Used & Research
I used CapCut, iMovie, Davinci Resolve, and Premiere Rush.
Capcut is what we dominantly used to edit, here Annie and I had separate editing practices. I used this program to add special effects such as glitches, vignettes, and kaleidoscope effects. Here we also did some color grading but its features aren't as good and advanced as Davinci Resolve.
I used iMovie and Davinci Resolve before but Davinci was still tricky for me to use as I haven't explored it as much. I used YouTube to do my research, and I think some tutorials are helpful but sometimes other videos can be clickbait.
Davinci Resolve for me is a more complicated and intimidating app, so I also spent some time asking for help with how to navigate its features from my media teacher... during my free time, I also did some research on how to color grading.
iMovie was just used for my mock edits wherein I used my clip placements and synced it with the beats of the song. I used iMovie for this as I have been using this program since I was in elementary therefore its better to do mocks here because its quicker. Premiere Rush is what used for filters, its a great alternative for Davinci Resolve when doing simpler color grading and they also have built-in presets that I played around with too.
I also did some research on Premiere Pro as I thought it might help me gain more knowledge with the editing process
Does the editing follow your storyboard?
Our storyboard and shot list are a bit loose as it didn't include specific editing with the colors. However, for continuity editing, cross cuts, inserts, J cut and L cut, and transitions, are all largely based on our shotlist. There were only instances that we didn't have good footage for our planned clips therefore, we turned to alternatives. We also noted in the shortlist some of our pacings (time stamps) and when we edited we based of some key shots on these, although not always strictly followed, it still helped us identify the key shots on where to put the clips appropriately.
Have you applied any special effects?
Yes! We did use a lot of special effects but it was more subtle. There were drafts that I made that had more special effects, however, upon showing it to Annie she said it made it look very similar to Tiktok video edits. Mr. Wunker really liked the glitch effect and I initially liked it too but the more I watched it, the more I see what Annie meant...with this I decided to agree with her creative input on lessening the special effects that I wanted to use.
Color Grading
As mentioned in the Filming Reflection blogpost, we didn't have any light equipment when we had our third shooting located in Wanjing. This said we had a lot of brighter, cool lighting footage. To fix and match the clips with the other shots, I used Premiere Rush and Davinci Resolve. I adjusted the yellow and orange colors in the shot to make it appear warmer. Beside are two edited shots with the one below having a noticeably warmer tone.
Why is your editing style appropriate for your music genre, MV form, & audience?
I believe our editing style is appropriate for our music genre, music video form, and audience. Our music video is conceptual, we chose to play with the theme and symbolism, and with this we create meaning. When it comes to conceptual music videos, the ideas are limitless, and with this pretty much any style can be appropriate.
Along with a vague symbolism of how our MV is about remembering one's power and freeing themselves in caging situations, we utilized visually appealing shots to keep our audience entertained and engaged. We also made use of editing to the beat, this was key to making our music video have a sense of organization and coherence. We also focused on our female artist which reinforced the idea that the meaning revolves around her. Editing on beat is a convention for trip pop/ alternative pop as it supplies aesthetics and unity to the lyrics of the song and imagery.
What has worked well?
I really think the overall editing style of our music video is creative and one of a kind in the history of Harrow's Media Studies classes. We have utilized and made use of our snake shots very well and created an impact and meaning with the overall message of our music video. Editing the kaleidoscope Silence of the Lamb-inspired shot also created a meaning of being tongue-tied and further reinforced our creative input for the overall imagery of the music video.
What has been a challenge?
In my opinion, this isn't necessarily a big challenge, however, working in a group definitely needs compromising. For example the creative decisions on the overall editing with special effects. Annie and I were always communicative and we sort out things when we have
Overall: is the editing a success?
I would say the editing process was largely successful. I felt that we created a cohesive and clear conceptual music video. We synced our clips with the beat and really highlight the symbolism (imagery) that corresponds to the lyrics.