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Editing I - TFT00104M

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  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Module co-ordinator: Mr. Sean Brown
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

Editing 1 introduces you to the art and craft of the edit. You will work with Avid Media Composer NLE software, the world leader in non-linear editing. In editing lab, you will be introduced to the Avid software learning all stages in the post-production process from import, through edit to export. Teaching includes understanding the Avid interface, professional level organisation, editing, trimming and basic sound and track lay. You will practice these editing skills on supplied footage from a short film taking it through the full edit process.

The biggest challenge to the editor is shaping the shot material to make the best story possible. Here, lectures run in parallel to lab work to add theory to practice. You will learn techniques from the world of the screenwriter examining structure and emotional journey. This will provide you with troubleshooting tools they can use on any film at any point in the editing process.

As well as editing a short film in the labs, practical work will include collaborating with students in other disciplines on the MA programme. This will include a sound exercise and a single narrative scene.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module aims to: -

  • Provide a basic understanding of functionality and operation of Avid Media Composer
  • Provide an opportunity for students to discover and explore the art of storytelling in the edit
  • Provide opportunities to students to develop knowledge of how an editor works with the rest of the creative teams in film and television production

Module learning outcomes

Upon completing this module, you are expected to be able to: -

  • Competently use Avid Media Composer to create effective edits of picture and sound
  • Demonstrate skills in troubleshooting story problems identified through an edit process
  • Demonstrate understanding of language of film technology and screen story

Indicative assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Coursework : Editing Portfolio		 N/A 50
Practical
Editing Project		 N/A 50

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Formative assessment may be conducted earlier in the module to provide experience and opportunity for developmental, verbal feedback. This usually takes place in Week 7.

Summative assessment will vary depending on whether students are MA Editing (Core) students or other MA FTP students taking this module as an option. In either case, the assessment will task students with editing a short scene, demonstrating their practical/creative editing skills. The module's students will work individually in this task.

All students will submit their edited project work, and supporting paperwork to demonstrate development as part of the Editing Project (worth 50% of marks) and their Editing Portfolio (worth 50%), which may consist of either a reflective presentation or written reflective report to support and critically assess their work on this Editing Project. All work will be submitted in Week 13-15 of Semester 1.

In each case, the Editing Project summative will assess students' technical and creative practical skills through the creation of a filmed scene and the Editing Portfolio summative will assess their ability to communicate their creative and technical intentions on the project through written and/or verbal means (e.g. possible presentation with slides).

Indicative reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Analysis of scene in feature film		 N/A 100

Module feedback

You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

Dancyger, K. and Rush, J. (2013). Alternative Scriptwriting. Focal Press
Vogler, C. (2007). The Writer’s Journey. Michael Wiese Productions
Rabiger, M. (2009). Directing the Documentary. Focal Press
Dmytryk, E. (1984). On Film Editing. Focal Press
Lavandier, Y. (2005). Writing Drama. Le Clown et l’enfant
Marks, D. (2009). Inside Story. Three Mountains Press
De Jong, W. and Knudsen, E. and Rothwell, J. (2012) Creative Documentary. Pearson Education
Curren Bernard, S. (2010) Documentary Storytelling. Focal Press
Pinel, V. (2001). Le Montage. Cahiers du Cinéma
Tierno, M. (2002). Aristotle's Poetics for Screenwriters. Hyperion
Murch, W. (2001) In the Blink of an Eye. Silman-James Press
Katz, Steven D. (2004). Film Directing: Cinematic Motion. Michael Wiese Productions
Truffaut, F. (2008) Hitchcock by Truffaut. Simon and Schuster
Bresson, R. (2016) Notes on the Cinematograph. Edition Gallimard
Rabiger, M. and Hurbis-Cherrier, M. (2013) Directing, Film Techniques and Aesthetics. Focal Press


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.