The Technique of Film and Video Editing, Fourth Edition: History, Theory, and Practice [Paperback]

Ken Dancyger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 28, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0240807650 | ISBN-13: 978-0240807652 | Edition: 4

The Technique of Film & Video Editing provides a detailed, precise look at the artistic and aesthetic principles and practices of editing for both picture and sound. Analyses of photographs from dozens of classic and contemporary films and videos provide a sound basis for the professional filmmaker and student editor. This book puts into context the storytelling choices an editor will have to make against a background of theory, history, and practice. This new edition has been updated to include the latest advances in digital video and nonlinear editing and explores the new trend of documentary as mainstream entertainment, using films such as "Farenheit 9/11" and "The Fog of War" as examples.

* Learn how to strengthen your story and engage your audience through the editing process
* Examples, analysis, and film stills from great movies
* Includes a new chapter on the impact of documentaries

Editorial Reviews

Review

"From D.W. Griffin to MTV, from silent movies to action films, Dancyger explores not only history, techniques, and the social aspects of film and video, but he also looks at how technology has affected film and video making and editing. This isn't a quick read but definitely worthwhile if you want to gain an understanding of what it takes to be an excellent director and editor." -Theano Nikitas, Camcorder & ComputerVideo

Praise for previous editions:

"Ken's additions to his book show all of us who love and study the craft of editing, a real understanding of the importance and stimulating impact editing has in helping tell a story, create mood, and shape characters."
--Sam Pollard, film editor, Girl 6, Clockers, Mo Better Blues

"Dancyger's book is an excellent introduction to the art of manipulating moving pictures and sound for students, amateurs, hobbiests and professionals alike." - Videomaker

"...a thoroughly "reader friendly" introduction and survey of proven editing techniques and how those techniques influence the editing process..." - The Bookwatch, Sept. 2006"

Book Description

Previous edition has sold over 7000 in two years!

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 4 edition (November 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240807650
• ISBN-13: 978-0240807652
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #747,174 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Dry as A Bone, May 20, 2008

By 

Florian T. Boyce (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Technique of Film and Video Editing, Fourth Edition: History, Theory, and Practice (Paperback)

The Technique of Film and Video doesn't really know what it wants to be.

It over emphasis on editing history and early theory would simply overwhelm first time editing students and outright bore those familiar with the craft.

As a film student, I know the importance of film editing, but this entry fails to generate any interest for the technique and the practical implications for film editing.

It's been said not to judge a book by its cover, and this one is no different. A screen capture of "Brokeback Mountain" does nothing to offset the heavy emphasis on film pre-1960.

Just my two cents.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great resource, April 17, 2011

By 

Luna R. Exfortito (Fort Wayne, IN) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Technique of Film and Video Editing, Fourth Edition: History, Theory, and Practice (Paperback)

I bought this book for a class and I find it to be a great resource. It doesn't teach you how to edit but goes into what successful editing is. It goes into the topics of filmaking including how sound and visuals add to and often create a movie's overall experience. It's a bit of a dry read but I find it very useful that he gives examples from movies. I only wish this book came with a CD of these scenes instead of still shots.

2.0 out of 5 stars Very dry read!, March 8, 2011

By 

La Familia Productions - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Technique of Film and Video Editing, Fourth Edition: History, Theory, and Practice (Paperback)

This book has some good insight but it seems more like a book about how to review movies. Kinda dry read!I used this bok for my editing class and learned absolutely very little about how to edit. I learned more reading Walter Murch's "In The Blink of an Eye" than this!