Editing as Reflection
How the art of editing transforms raw footage into a story that breathes—with tips on organization and using a media log to stay focused.
I’ve been editing last week and this week. Yesterday, a thought crossed my mind: editing is the ultimate example of "hindsight is 20/20"—the idea that our vision is usually clearer when looking backward than forward.
Editing feels a lot like looking back on your life and making sense of it—it gives you the space to evaluate events after they’ve happened and to find new meaning or purpose in them. In this case, though, "your life" is the footage of other people’s lives you’ve captured for a documentary.
When you’re in the middle of life—experiencing setbacks and wins—it rarely makes any sense in real-time. You can’t see the breadcrumbs behind you while running through each day. Some days, it feels like you randomly fall into a pothole, but with hindsight, you can look back and realize, “Oops, I should have seen that pothole coming.” Editing, in a way, is about uncovering those patterns and finding meaning in the moments.
I’m writing this, not even sure if it fully makes sense. But hey, maybe some of you will relate. Or maybe I’ll look back and find a better way to say this (hindsight!). Either way… here is what a week of editing led me to write today.
At the bottom of this post, I’ve linked to my media log. You can download it as a free template to help you organize your edit. I also use notecards and sticky notes to organize story arcs, I can post about that process another time.
My Editing Process
Day-by-Day Selects
I tend to edit day by day, starting by pulling loose selects. This allows me to keep the clips longer and avoid being overly precious about what I keep or lose. I often arrange things chronologically—first this happens, then that—or group clips by ideas or themes to make them easy to find later. I repeat this process with all the footage from every single day.
Editing Dialogue vs. Observational Footage
If I’m editing footage where spoken words are important, I edit as much with my ears as with my eyes, pulling moments that “speak” in both senses. But when I’m working with observational scenes, I put on music or edit in silence. Pulling selects based on visual texture and rhythm alone lets me tune into the natural flow of the footage and the life within it.
Finding Rhythm in the Edit
Recently, I was editing footage of an employer interviewing 13 job candidates. None were particularly chatty, and at first, the footage felt flat—filled with silences and awkward pauses. But in the edit, I started noticing patterns: they all answered in short, nervous bursts. Instead of letting each interview play out, I created a montage, stacking their responses to create a rhythm. This added energy and cohesion, allowing me to keep those awkward pauses and nervous moments without dragging down the pace.
After building this fast-paced montage, I felt the need (both mentally and physically) for a slower scene. I realized the audience would feel this too. Quick cuts build tension, almost like holding your breath. A slower scene lets you (and the viewer) exhale. Noticing your own breath while editing can tell you a lot about the emotional tone and pacing of your cut.
Managing Your Energy While Editing
Editing demands physical awareness. Pay attention to your body: Are you tired, sleep-deprived, or just mindlessly sifting through footage? Or are you approaching the footage with curiosity, as if you’re seeing it for the first time?
When I’m in a good place energy-wise, editing feels electric. My brain starts lighting up. There’s something exhilarating about finding a single puzzle piece that transforms the whole story.
Getting to Know the Material
You can’t be useful as an editor until you know the footage intimately. Every editor I’ve worked with—Penelope Falk on Recovery Boys, Kristen Nutile on Heroin(e), Leslie Simmer on My Love, and Iva Radivojević on King Coal—started by watching hours of footage and taking notes by hand. These notes capture their gut reactions, which are incredibly valuable because you only get a “first impression” once.
Each editor has their own approach. Some, like Penny and Kristen, start by pulling information—grouping ideas, themes, and talking points. Others, like Leslie, Iva, and myself, begin with mood, rhythm, and observations. There’s no “right” method; it’s about starting with what speaks to you.
Get Organized with Media Logs
When it comes to non-fiction, editing is everything. Organizing your footage is the first step in understanding what your story’s strengths are. Without a grasp of what you have, you won’t know what to continue filming or even what to begin sculpting in the edit. To keep my footage organized, I create media logs that note the shooting day and every detail imaginable. These logs are essential when working on a feature-length documentary spanning several years.
Media Log Template
You can customize this template to fit your project’s needs. For example, you might add columns for “Drone Shots” or “Reenactments” if they apply to your footage. Or delete columns that don’t apply. Below are some essential ones for me:
Footage Categorization: Group clips by type, such as “Interview,” “B-roll,” or “Archival.” Create custom categories as needed.
Clip Description: Summarize the action in each clip to easily locate key moments later.
Relevance/Usage Notes: Jot down potential uses for each clip. For example, note if an interview answer fits the opening sequence or if a landscape shot should appear in a particular segment.
Status Tracker: Use columns like “Selects Complete” and “Sync and Proxy” to track workflow.
Time of Day: Useful for quickly finding specific shots, like a sunrise scene.
Most Important Quote/Scene/Moment: Record key lines or moments you might not want to forget, even if they’re minor.
Weather Notes: Especially helpful for projects based on seasonal changes, so you’re not hunting for that perfect snow shot six months down the road.
Crew List: Vital for crediting freelance cinematographers, sound techs, and other collaborators, making end credits easier to compile.
This template will help you stay organized, collaborate more effectively, and plan future shoots.
Download the template here.
Final Thoughts
Editing is about more than arranging clips on a timeline. It’s about finding meaning, rhythm, and connection. A well-organized edit allows you to uncover the hidden story within your footage and invites viewers to breathe along with the film. Remember, stay present with your energy, organize your assets, and don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed pause.