Editing for Directors is a course for directors who want to build a strong, collaborative relationship with their editor and get the most out of this critical, intimate and often-overlooked collaboration. The edit room is one of the only closed doors in the filmmaking process; it's an intimate, high-stakes collaboration that can make or break a film. Yet many directors arrive at this stage without the tools to get the most out of their editor, their footage, or themselves. That’s where this class comes in.
I’ve been editing since 2004 (starting with Todd Solondz’s Palindromes). I’ve cut indie features, studio films, docs, and TV for directors ranging from first-timers (including Quinn Shephard and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson on their debut features) to veterans like Ira Sachs and Andrew Stanton. Editing for Directors is designed to pull back the curtain on the edit room and share all the lessons I've learned along the way -- in other words, I've finally compiled all my tips, tricks, rants, things learned the hard way and favorite movies into an actual class.
By the end of the course, students will understand how the edit process really works, from prep to final DCP, and they will be prepared to walk into post production as confident collaborators with clear communication skills. Whether you’re a first-timer, a pro used to editing your own stuff, or a veteran looking to maximize your editorial time, all participants will come away with a clear, step-by-step understanding of the editorial process and will be equipped to communicate their creative vision clearly and effectively.
Class topics include:
Editing for Directors is designed to be flexible and easy to incorporate into your schedule. It can be broken up into two or three evening sessions or offered as a single-day seminar, and I can teach it either in person or on Zoom. Past classes have been taught through Filmnorth and The Gotham Film & Media Institute
Student Words:
"I just wanted to thank you, very much, for such a wonderful course. I learned a great deal from your slides, film analysis, and personal anecdotes. Also, your explanations as to why scenes worked from certain movies made me look at editing from a more refined storytelling lens, and I'll take this knowledge with me for the rest of my life. And I really appreciated that everything was explained so clearly and thoughtfully. Your advice and insights give our work a better chance to make a positive impact on people, and enrich their lives through good storytelling and good cinema."
- Dana Silverman, filmmaker & student at Filmnorth
"Mollie did an amazing job presenting the information in an engaging way. You could tell a lot of thought went into how everything was structured. The insights she shared will be invaluable for me moving forward. I highly recommend her class!"
"This course was a blast. Such a great instructor and it has so many insights throughout the whole course. Very refreshing to learn video editing skills with experienced professionals."
"Easy to understand, helpful references/examples. Great learning the editing language, understanding the process and stages of working with an editor, and hearing insights from a guest editor."
Contact Mollie to learn more or if you'd like to offer this as a course, virtual lecture, or panel discussion with your organization!
I’ve been editing since 2004 (starting with Todd Solondz’s Palindromes). I’ve cut indie features, studio films, docs, and TV for directors ranging from first-timers (including Quinn Shephard and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson on their debut features) to veterans like Ira Sachs and Andrew Stanton. Editing for Directors is designed to pull back the curtain on the edit room and share all the lessons I've learned along the way -- in other words, I've finally compiled all my tips, tricks, rants, things learned the hard way and favorite movies into an actual class.
By the end of the course, students will understand how the edit process really works, from prep to final DCP, and they will be prepared to walk into post production as confident collaborators with clear communication skills. Whether you’re a first-timer, a pro used to editing your own stuff, or a veteran looking to maximize your editorial time, all participants will come away with a clear, step-by-step understanding of the editorial process and will be equipped to communicate their creative vision clearly and effectively.
Class topics include:
- How to find, interview, and choose an editor
- How the editor can support you in prep and production
- Coverage and why it’s your friend
- The editor’s toolbox: concrete techniques for problem solving
- Test screenings and the importance of clarity
- Every film has a "cheat code" (aka, creative problem solving in post)
- How to get the most out of notes
- The terror of picture lock
- Finishing, a guest speaker, and more!
Editing for Directors is designed to be flexible and easy to incorporate into your schedule. It can be broken up into two or three evening sessions or offered as a single-day seminar, and I can teach it either in person or on Zoom. Past classes have been taught through Filmnorth and The Gotham Film & Media Institute
Student Words:
"I just wanted to thank you, very much, for such a wonderful course. I learned a great deal from your slides, film analysis, and personal anecdotes. Also, your explanations as to why scenes worked from certain movies made me look at editing from a more refined storytelling lens, and I'll take this knowledge with me for the rest of my life. And I really appreciated that everything was explained so clearly and thoughtfully. Your advice and insights give our work a better chance to make a positive impact on people, and enrich their lives through good storytelling and good cinema."
- Dana Silverman, filmmaker & student at Filmnorth
"Mollie did an amazing job presenting the information in an engaging way. You could tell a lot of thought went into how everything was structured. The insights she shared will be invaluable for me moving forward. I highly recommend her class!"
"This course was a blast. Such a great instructor and it has so many insights throughout the whole course. Very refreshing to learn video editing skills with experienced professionals."
"Easy to understand, helpful references/examples. Great learning the editing language, understanding the process and stages of working with an editor, and hearing insights from a guest editor."
Contact Mollie to learn more or if you'd like to offer this as a course, virtual lecture, or panel discussion with your organization!