An Unexamined Artform: Video Editing in the Golden Age of Television
As the line between television and cinema blurs in a realm dominated by streaming platforms, a fascinating shift goes largely unnoticed: the rise of video editing as an artform. As directors and cinematographers stretch towards a cinematographic television, the unsung heroes narrating this transition are the video editors.
Understanding the Hidden Art of Editing
Television shows, by their very nature, span many hours, if not days, in total viewing time. This narrative length fosters an intricate storytelling experience drastically different from cinema, but it also necessitates a more nuanced editing approach. Video editors evoke emotions, establish pace, and maintain continuity seamlessly linking together hundreds of cuts for each hour of viewing time.
The Growing Importance of Video Editing in TV
Historically, television placed less emphasis on aesthetic and more on the narrative. This resulted in a formulaic, ‘cut-and-dry’ editing previously characteristic of the medium. However, in the era of binge-watching and streamable content, viewers expect a film-like visual experience, compelling deeper creative involvement from video editors.
The Shift in Aesthetics
One of the most substantial changes in the television industry is the movement towards cinematic aesthetics. Shows like “Game of Thrones” and “Breaking Bad” are not just renowned for their narratives but also for their creative and innovative use of video editing. They reject the traditional ‘shot-reverse-shot’ pattern for more dynamic cuts, exploiting editing as a storytelling device rather than a necessary transition.
The Creative Opportunities in Editing
Unlike cinema, where once the narrative concludes, the credits roll, television mandates a level of suspense maintained at the end of each episode to ensure audience return. Augmenting the weight of cliffhangers with expert editing is an opportunity unique to the medium of television, a creative challenge eagerly embraced by innovative video editors.
The Impact on Television Viewing
The evolution of video editing in television has had a direct impact on viewer engagement. The shift has elevated the overall TV viewing experience to parallel that of watching cinema in terms of quality and artistic innovation. The contribution of video editing to the success of popular series has brought this critical role to light in the industry.
- Video editing often creates ‘invisible continuity’ that prevents the audience from noticing the transition between shots.
- Some TV series now have designated video editors for important episodes or scenes, a trend borrowed from cinema.
- Video editing plays a pivotal role in creating climactic moments in television episodes.
- The growth of video editing as a role has seen a parallel rise in vocational training and academic courses.
In conclusion, video editing has shifted from a behind-the-scenes process into a crucial creative role in the television industry amidst the golden age of streaming. Elevating the visual quality of TV series, adding depth and dynamism to their narratives, it exemplifies the transforming landscape of television. Its evolution reveals a vibrant blueprint of the medium’s future, promising an exciting horizon where viewers’ thirst for engaging content will no doubt continue to be quenched by these unsung visionaries of the small screen.
