JUMP•CUT

Chapter7Editing Non-Scripted Documentaries

Movies become art after editing. Instead of just reproducing reality, they juxtapose images of it. That implies expression; that’s art.

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu

7.1 INTRODUCTION

Documentarians are often inspired to share their perceptions of the world. Some may want to examine subjects dealing with environmental degradation, wildlife decimation, global hunger or child abuse. Some may be driven by politics or social issues and be compelled to expose the atrocities perpetrated by cruel despots. Others may have a mission to examine extraordinary human situations or present a biographical tale of a famous personality. It is very difficult to write a script about these real-life situations before ...