How can video editing create more impactful documentaries?

1 The power of montage

Montage is the technique of combining different shots or scenes to create a new meaning or impression. It can be used to show contrast, continuity, progression, or juxtaposition, and to create rhythm, pace, and mood. Montage can also convey a theme, argument, or point of view, and influence how the audience interprets the documentary. For example, in the classic documentary The Atomic Cafe, the filmmakers use montage to show the irony and absurdity of the nuclear propaganda and culture in the 1950s, by juxtaposing archival footage of nuclear tests, civil defense drills, and political speeches with pop songs, cartoons, and commercials.

2 The role of sound

Sound is another essential element of video editing that can create more impactful documentaries. Sound can include dialogue, narration, music, sound effects, ambience, and silence. Sound can complement, contrast, or contradict the visuals, and create a sense of realism, emotion, or tension. Sound can also guide the audience's attention, focus, and interpretation of the documentary. For example, in the Oscar-winning documentary Citizenfour, the filmmaker Laura Poitras uses sound to create a suspenseful and immersive atmosphere, by using low-key music, ambient noise, and phone conversations, and by emphasizing the silence and pauses in the interviews with Edward Snowden.

4 The choice of format

Format is the technical aspect of video editing that refers to the resolution, aspect ratio, frame rate, color, and quality of the video. Format can affect the aesthetic, practical, and ethical aspects of a documentary, and can create more impactful documentaries by enhancing or challenging the realism, credibility, and accessibility of the documentary. For example, in the documentary Searching for Sugar Man, the filmmaker Malik Bendjelloul uses different formats to tell the story of a mysterious musician who became a legend in South Africa without knowing it. He uses 8mm film to capture his own journey of finding the musician, and to create a nostalgic and personal tone. He also uses animation, archival footage, interviews, and music to create a diverse and dynamic documentary.

5 The ethics of editing

Editing is not a neutral or objective process, but a subjective and creative one. It involves selecting, arranging, and manipulating the raw footage to create a coherent and compelling documentary. However, editing also involves ethical decisions and responsibilities, such as respecting the truth, the subjects, and the audience, and avoiding manipulation, distortion, or deception. Editing can create more impactful documentaries by being transparent, honest, and fair, and by acknowledging the limitations, biases, and perspectives of the documentary. For example, in the documentary Capturing the Friedmans, the filmmaker Andrew Jarecki uses editing to show the complexity and ambiguity of a family accused of child abuse, and to invite the audience to question their own assumptions and judgments.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?