Video editing is another stage of writing, but instead of using words to form a sentence, we're using images to form a scene.

Hey, I'm Thomas Torrey.

I'm a filmmaker and editor in Fort Mill, and I'm here to help next lens film makers.

Yeah, it's fine.

You know, extra cash, flexible.

So what's your day job then?

Real estate?

Residential, mostly.

Video editing is more than cutting clips and transitions.

It's about storytelling, rhythm, visual cohesion.

Every edit should serve the overall goal of the film.

If you're working up to a reveal in the pace of your shots and the shots you're showing, the number of shots, all of that become crucial things to work out in the edit.

It's just like playing music.

So play with your edit until you feel the rhythm and the pace lock in.

How will the shot you cut to convey the beat and enhance the moment?

Wide shots establish context and Orient the audience.

close-ups show us more emotion.

They they direct our attention to specific things.

So be intentional with your choices and know when you want to cut between this coverage.

For more production resources and information for short film submissions, check out scetv.org/nextlens.