Focal Press - Grammar of the Edit by Roy Thompson

2009 By Roy Thompson, Freelance trainer at Berlin Television Training Centre
Christopher Bowen, Instructor of cinematography and film production at Boston University; Avid certified instructor; Creative Director/Production Manager, Fellsway Creatives.

Learn the basic "grammar" of editing films and videos in Grammar of the Edit! This book shows you in no uncertain terms (independently of software) what you absolutely need to know to edit your video production. Whether you are just learning how to edit or you need a refresher, this book gives you a basic toolkit to understand the basic terms and the common practices of editing to help create a coherent and meaningful story or visual presentation. This book concentrates on where and how an edit is made and teaches you how to answer the simple question: 'What do I need to do in order to make a good edit between two shots?'

Grammar of the Edit begins with an explanation of the basic rules of visual construction that will allow you to arrange your footage logically. The book takes you from the basic vocabulary of editing, to knowing when to cut (and why), to transitions, and finally to good working practices. Designed as an easy-to-use reference, each topic is covered succinctly and is accompanied by clear photographs and diagrams that illustrate the key concepts presented in the book. Simple, elegant, and easy to use, Grammar of the Edit is a staple of any filmmaker's library.

Audience: Novice filmmakers, students, or videographers who want a concise guide to the principles of editing.