Directing the Documentary, 6th Edition

CHAPTER 16

EDITING FROM FINE CUT TO FESTIVAL

 

 

 

AIMING FOR A FINE CUT

Cautious filmmakers do not call the last editing stage “the final cut,” but the fine cut since it usually still needs minor changes and accommodations. Most of these arise from laying music, after which comes picture lock, when the film is deemed ready for tracklaying in preparation for the sound mix. If you are commissioning original music, the picture lock stage is when you should work with your composer (see the description of that process in Chapter 34: Using Music and Working with a Composer).

CHECK ALL SOURCE MATERIAL

As you near fine cut, review all your dailies to make sure you’ve overlooked nothing useful. Time consuming though this is, you will surely have one ...