How Top PRO Video Editors Approach EVERY Edit

About this video

• Video Title: How Top PRO Video Editors Approach EVERY Edit
• Channel: Austen Menges
• Speakers: Austen Menges
• Duration: 00:08:36

Overview

This video explains a four-step framework called "Ezra" that professional video editors use to understand the "why" behind their edits, moving beyond just the technical "how." The presenter, Austen Menges, shares his personal journey and a method to help viewers elevate their editing careers by focusing on emotional impact, storytelling, rhythm, and precise action cutting.

Key takeaways

• The "Why" vs. "How": Many editors focus on software and technical skills ("how") rather than the purpose behind each edit ("why"), which is crucial for career advancement and higher-paying jobs.
• Ezra Framework:
  • E - Emotion: Identify the target emotion for the audience in each scene before editing.
  • S - Story: Select only shots that advance the narrative. If a shot doesn't contribute to the story, it should be removed or replaced, regardless of its aesthetic quality.
  • R - Rhythm: Use shot duration and cuts per minute to create a rhythm that evokes the desired emotion (e.g., longer shots for calm, faster cuts for anxiety).
  • A - Action: Be intentional about where shots begin and end by cutting at the start and end of specific actions within the footage.
• Focus on Audience Emotion: The goal is to evoke a specific feeling in the audience, not necessarily to mirror the emotions of the characters in the scene.
• Practical Application: The video provides examples and encourages viewers to apply the Ezra framework to their own work to improve their editing and secure better opportunities.