Coverage & cutaways

An excellent editor is the best companion for filmmakers. The basic task is to gather all the information that was captured in camera for a particular task and put it into a coherent story. However, don't fall for the flimsy idea! There's a lot more to editing than splicing 'err' clicking-and-dragging clips into a timeline! A good editor understands what drives the narrative's dramatic elements and decides on which clips are needed to create the entire.

Video Coverage and Cutaways tutorial

Pro tip: Keep your resources (cast crew, crew, gear as well as time you spend at your friend's cousin's father-in-law's restaurant) to consider when you decide what to do "just one more" shoot of a specific scene. If you're not offering very high-end prices it's not necessary to get to be David Fincher on people.

At the end of the (shoot) day the coverage gives you the option for putting together the finest film you can, and cutaways are quick, powerful punches to aid you in telling your tale visually. Making sure you plan for both of them will enhance your film's quality and interesting for viewers.

Until next time, friends!