I started my DVD collection back in 2001 when I was still in high school. The idea of a DVD commentary track was especially interesting to someone like me who was interested in getting into film and learning more about what happens behind the scenes. Keep in mind that this was pre-YouTube and it was exciting to finally have an on-demand window into the production details of your favorite movies as told by the people involved. This special feature has now become pretty common, however it's clear that some actors and directors still don't really understand what the commentary track is for. Case in point, these hilarious commentary excerpts from Arnold Schwarzenegger and John Milius on Conan the Barbarian. They basically narrate exactly what's on screen and ask questions. It's one of the best/worst DVD commentary tracks I've ever heard. It's still second to the brilliantly hilarious in-character commentary on This is Spinal Tap however.
Video editing has become one of those skills that any interested candidate can pick up and perform with ease. That's not to say that everyone is good at it however. Here are a few simple guidelines that I use that you can follow to help improve your video editing. 1. Stay Organized Editing is really about organization. From sourcing the best footage available to creating effective sequences, your ability to keep track of footage is what will make ultimately make your edits stronger. On a smaller scale this involves labeling tapes, hard drives, and files, where on the more ambitious side it means keeping editing logs, transcribing dialogue from unscripted takes or interviews, and diligent note taking. The rules vary between individual projects and time lines, but organization means efficiency and that goes a long way whether you're an employer or employee. 2. Try Everything Once Early on I began broadening my own editing by trying every kind of project I could think of. I created animations, experimental shorts, and narratives, and this only become more varied during my time in film school. The beauty in trying out these styles and genres is that they each require a different sensibility in how they're cut together. It's also a great way to find out what you like and what genre your style of editing favors. 3. Mimic Editing You Like This may sound like cheating, but homage is one of the best ways to enhance your skill as an editor. Create vintage filters, cut music videos, play on cliches. Editing is as much about understanding timing as it is about the footage you select. By mimicking the pacing of a popular commercial or music video for instance, you'll gain an appreciation for the subtlties that separate that style from telling a longer story in a narrative. It's always better if you learn the rules before you start trying to break them. 4. Use Music For Inspiration I still often use music when editing my home videos and travelogs as a way to motivate a more ambitious edit and experiment with styles that I don't get to try everyday. Understanding how a jump cut or a more elaborate transition effects the rhythm and dynamic of video is something that you can continue to experiment with and learn from. In general, using others as inspiration is a great way to springboard your own original edits. 5. Keep it Simple The mark of an amateur editor is too many cuts, transitions, or abrupt scene selections that remove the viewer from the story or cause confusion. Even when editing something with high energy, the goal of the editor is to keep a common thread throughout the entire video. Part of that means knowing when to cut away, what to cut to, and the meaning or relationship that is created for the viewer by doing so. An experienced editor will see when it's better to let something play out or when it's necessary to elaborate. There is no one right way to edit, and this is part of the beauty in it. Play around enough and you'll see how the choices you make as an editor can have dramatic effects on the outcome of a project. Like all skills, practice will only make you better.
Of all of the Christmas specials out there, A Charlie Brown Christmas is probably the one that appeals most to my childhood sensibilities. It's a humble and heartfelt telling of the true meaning of Christmas, and it's tough not to love the Peanuts gang.
Last year my friend Tyler gave me a vinyl copy of A Charlie Brown Christmas (not to be confused with the equally amazing soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi). I've watched the special countless times on television, but just hearing the story is an entirely different experience. There's something very wholesome about a crackling record and listening to Linus' famous speech. I put together this brief clip to share the experience.
