Narrative Craft
With a solid technical foundation in place, Phase 2 turns its full attention to the art of storytelling. You will learn how to shape a performance, how to use the cut to create subtext, how to build and release tension, and how to use sound as a narrative tool. The goal is to develop your storytelling instinct.
Editing Dialogue — The Basics
Master the fundamentals of cutting a two-person dialogue scene.
Editing Dialogue — Advanced Performance Shaping
Learn to shape a performance through editing, using the best takes from multiple options.
Subtext and the Reaction Shot
Understand how the reaction shot is the most powerful tool in the dialogue editor's toolkit.
The Montage
Master the art of the montage to compress time, convey information, and create emotional impact.
Parallel Editing and Cross-Cutting
Master parallel editing to create suspense, draw thematic connections, and compress time.
The Emotional Arc of a Scene
Learn to identify and edit the emotional arc of a scene — the journey from one emotional state to another.
Sound Design — Building a World
Understand sound design as a storytelling tool and learn to build a basic sound world for a scene.
Music Editing — Choosing and Cutting Music
Learn how to choose music that serves the story and how to edit it to fit your scene.
The Editor as Storyteller — Analyzing Master Editors
Develop your analytical skills by studying the work of master editors.
Narrative Short — Assemble Cut
Begin your Phase 2 milestone: a complete 5-minute narrative short film.
Narrative Short — Fine Cut
Refine the pacing, shape the performances, and add J-cuts and L-cuts.
Narrative Short — Picture Lock & Audio Mix
Finalize all edits, build the sound design, and mix the audio.
Phase 2 Self-Evaluation
Review your Phase 2 work and identify areas for growth.