Alanedit, July 30, 2009 12:17:48 PM CEST
Editing the music video: a primer
Now, this highlights music video editors and their prowess behind the clips. This post is an attempt to start a conversation among those interested, by no means is it an exhaustive list. Feel free to add your own clips that you think are well edited. Now, if you could get rid of the auto play maybe the post will merit attention. Shotgun?

A well edited clip doesn't just illicit perfect harmony with the visuals, it's got to make you feel them through their assembly, arranging and rearranging of visual energy. Like a good jazz session would, all elements are in accordance. Coherence is important. Sometimes a bad clip can be masked by good editing, sometimes a good clip can be marred by atrocious post. I put that headline on top of my monitor when I edit. Some people could do the same. On next post, I'll highlight editing theories based on three clips, and how they work.

Rolling through the list.

Jay Z "99 Problems" Ed: Robert Duffy.


Robert Duffy constructed an editorial masterpiece using fragmentation, jump cuts, and perfect timing. Iconography has never been this powerful. Flawless, and textbook example of how GREAT editing is to a video's success. Legend has it that Romanek ran out of money for post and had to pay Duffy out of his own expense. Good choice. Always pay the editor.

Prodigy "Smack my bitch up" Ed: Jonas Akerlund.



Watch it again. Look at how the edit is the character. just like what it portrays.

Michael Jackson "Thriller" Ed: George Folsey Jr.


Thriller is everything a video should be, the holy grail. But the editing of George Folsey has been overlooked for Michael's gravistas, and credit should be due. This is how a dance performance is cut, period. That shit just kills. Every video done ever since has taken the same style and refined it, but 3,000 angles does not equal better editing. Selected shots and rhythmn does, evidenced here. Trivia: He also cut Hostel...and Animal House. Diverse.

Squarepusher "Come down my selector" Ed: Chris Cunningham.


Every single edit is perfectly timed to the beat of the song, and it all fits. Remarkable. Chris is a better editor than most, this was his first. All the other ones were done by Gary Knight.

R.E.M "Everybody hurts" Ed: Pat Sheffield


Form follows function in this clip. Perfectly lends itself well to the video's theme, and the edits don't intrude they illustrate. With that kinda footage, I'd be hard to fuk that up.

Justice "Stress" Ed: Romain Gavras.



Romain killed it with this clip. Easily the best edited clip in awhile. Deserving of the best editing award last year. Shock cuts abound, a nervous energy created by the unsettling camerawork. Perfect.

CSS "Move" Ed: Keith Schofield.



A more recent example. It's so simple in theory and moves at a good pace. Take one shot out and it all falls apart, I think Keith understands the "house of cards" approach to editing: every one counts. Put one in the wrong place and the house comes crashing down. I wish hip hop video editors understood this concept.

Late Of The Pier "Heartbeat" Ed: Megaforce?



Neat post, illusion editing.

Morningwood "Sugarbaby" Ed: Josh Cramer.


Puppets are hard to edit. This makes it look easy. Why wasn't this video widely seen?

More to come. List to be updated. What videos do you like?
         
It's a shame most video editors don't get paid anything these days. 'All In Deals' are a complete joke.

Nice to see someone highlighting the importance of this role, even if the budgets don't.
         
thanks for the post Alan!
i'm waiting for the next issue
         
out of interest Alan, what is your experience in editing? just wondering in terms of your credentials for such an interesting post!
         
Good lookin on this post Alan.
It helps that you're pretty much spot on with these choices.

I definitely always felt like that Justice edit is the best thing in years.
         
Thanks guys, glad to see it highlighted. @ Cutcutcut - that would be a yes, I cut.
         
i think almost on par with 99 problems was romaneks janet jackson video, 'got till it's gone'


         
how long have you been editing? what kind of work do you edit?

i agree with Thriller. it's my favourite video and a clear demonstration of the need for rehearsal and decent dancers, above and beyond a fast edit.

that said - 'Come To Daddy' is pure genius...
         
Agreed. All of Cunningham's edits are awesome.

I've been cutting for the latter half of one decade, I cut anything that moves. Work on all genres, remain anonymous. Most editors are.
         
Cheers Alan, this is what Antville should be all about.
         
nice post thx bai