This workshop is for editors, directors, and other filmmakers who want to go beyond software and workflow, and discuss the nuances of what makes a cut motivated and compelling

There are no available registration dates at this time.

Note: This Course will be held in a live, online format using the Zoom Platform.
Class meets Saturdays, Nov 11, 18, (Skips 25th, Thanksgiving weekend) & Dec 2, 9, 16 from 12-4pm ET with 1:1 instructor time by appointment.

Maine Media Online Editing Workshop

This 5-week online workshop is for editors, directors, and other filmmakers who want to go beyond software and workflow and explore the nuances of what makes a cut motivated and compelling.

Through case studies, screenings, theory discussions, and analysis of films, led by an accomplished editor, students explore how pacing, shot selection, rhythm, and juxtaposition can be used to enhance the emotional impact and advance a story. The workshop examines how good editors approach their footage, develop a process, and ultimately create a unique stylistic identity.  Raw footage from an existing film will be provided for exercises, although students can also work with their own raw footage. Over the course of the five weeks, they’ll work on building narrative scenes, while considering their motivation for each cut. Rough edits will be critiqued and discussed.  In addition to coming together for weekly lectures and discussions in our virtual classroom on Zoom, you’ll work on scenes at your location, and, as needed, have one-on-one virtual meetings with your instructor.

The combination of working with the process and discussion of editing aesthetics will help students develop a new perspective on the craft of editing. You will leave the workshop with a new sense of editing’s essential role in visual storytelling.

Students on the Maine Media campus learning how to edit.

Course Requirements

Basic proficiency in non-linear editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, or Avid Media Composer) is required, and students must have one of these editing software systems installed on their computer.  

Please note that the instructor may recommend films for you to watch at home which might incur $10-20 in streaming fees.

Testimonials

My experience exceeded all my expectations.  It was really great to work with & learn from a working professional from the film industry.”  Justin Hannah, Lexington, KY

Image Credits: Devin Altobello

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Instructor: Toby Yates

Toby Yates is an award-winning editor now based in Los Angeles. He has worked as a film and television editor for more than 20 years. His television credits include “Shameless” (Showtime), “Brothers and Sisters” (ABC), "Falling Water" (USA), "Powers" (Sony) and "Nightflyers" (Syfy). Toby has edited three films for director Karen Moncrieff: the Sundance hit "Blue Car", "The Dead Girl" starring Toni Colette and Brittany Murphy (winner of the Deauville Film Festival) and, most recently, "The Trials of Cate McCall" starring Kate Beckinsale. Toby’s other film credits include "The Moon and the Stars" (directed by John Irvin, starring Jonathan Pryce and Alfred Molina) for which he won Best Editor at the Milano International Film Festival, "Bless me Ultima" for director Carl Franklin, "Midnight Meat Train" starring Bradley Cooper, and "No One Lives" (directed by Ryuhei Kitamura, starring Luke Evans). Toby has also recut a number of films including "Adam" starring Rose Byrne and "Chameleon" starring Ellen Barkin and Famke Jansen.