WRITTEN BY JEFF SHIFFMAN, CO-OWNER OF BOOM BOX POST

We have sound editors coming in to test for us on a regular basis. The single most common difference between an editor who has worked largely alone versus one that has worked within a sound team is the lack of knowledge when it comes to the basics. There are three concepts I consider essential that I ask edit testers about right off the bat: Perspective Cutting, Stair Stepping, Color Coding. I can learn a lot about their familiarity with these concepts based on their response. Even a slight hesitance to answer is a dead giveaway; you’ve only worked alone and without much direction.

Some editors pick these concepts up immediately with just a quick explanation. Others are immediately overwhelmed. I personally never want to be caught in a situation where I don’t feel fully in command of my craft and I’d imagine this is the case with most of us. My advice: do yourself a favor and master these three skills today.

Unfamiliar with them? You’re not alone. But here’s the good news. Within our blog lies a masterclass on these three basic sound editing skills. They are so important to us, we’ve brought them up in the context of numerous previous posts. I’m bringing them front and center so you don’t have to do any digging at all (now you really have no excuse). Take advantage of this free collection of information by studying the following posts. Bonus points for mastering the slightly more advanced concepts of Clip Gain vs Automation and Food Groups, which we have also touched on a number of times.

DOWNSTREAM: VALUABLE SOUND DESIGNERS THINK LIKE MIXERS

Topics covered: 

  • Perspective Cutting

  • Color Coding

  • Clip Gain vs Automation

  • Food Groups

LAYING IT ALL OUT THERE: WHEN A GOOD LOOKING LAYOUT IS ACTUALLY BAD

Topics covered:

  • Perspective Cutting

  • Stair Stepping

  • Color Coding

  • Clip Gain vs Automation

  • Food Groups

ESSENTIAL SKILL: HOW TO PROPERLY EDIT SOUND FOR PERSPECTIVE SHIFTS

Topics covered:

  • Perspective Cutting

FIVE THINGS I'VE LEARNED ABOUT EDITING FROM MIXING

Topics covered:

  • Perspective Cutting

  • Color Coding

  • Clip Gain vs Automation

SPEAK VOLUMES THROUGH WELL ORGANIZED WORK

Topics covered:

  • Stair Stepping

  • Food Groups


Do you have questions on mastering these concepts? No problem! Hit us up with your thoughts in the comments below.

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