From Viral Video to Award-Winning Feature - "Searching"

Project: Editing "Searching," a 2018 thriller film told entirely through computer screens and digital interfaces.

Challenge: The film's unique format, relying solely on computer screen recordings, video calls, and social media posts, presented a significant challenge for creating a compelling and immersive narrative. The editor, John Lee, had to:

• Craft a story through fragmented visuals: Pieces of information like text messages, video clips, and social media posts needed to be seamlessly weaved together to create a cohesive narrative.
• Maintain audience engagement: Keeping viewers glued to the screen despite the lack of traditional cinematic elements like wide shots and action sequences.
• Convey emotions through limited visual cues: Eliciting emotional responses from viewers solely through facial expressions seen in video calls, emojis in text messages, and subtle changes in computer interfaces.

Solution: Lee employed innovative editing techniques to overcome these challenges. This included:

• Rapid cuts and jump cuts: Creating a sense of urgency and mirroring the fast-paced nature of online communication.
• Split-screens and layered visuals: Displaying multiple pieces of information simultaneously, mimicking the way we often multitask on our computers.
• Sound design and music: Using sound effects and music to enhance tension, build suspense, and guide viewers' emotional journey.

Result: "Searching" became a critical and commercial success, praised for its innovative use of technology, its suspenseful storytelling, and its unique editing style. The film received numerous awards and nominations, including the Independent Spirit Award for Best Editing.