In this blog post, we’ll share 5 books every video editor to read to become a better editor and a storyteller with a purpose.
What if the secrets to unlocking your video editing potential weren’t just in the software tutorials or the endless trial and error? What if they lay in the collective wisdom of the top professional editors?
This realization set us on a new path. A quest for knowledge that led us to the doorstep of bookstores and the virtual shelves of countless online resources.
Getting into the world of video editing books opened our eyes to new perspectives, techniques, and stories of success and failure. They weren’t just manuals or guides, they were gateways to understanding the soul of video editing.
In this blog post, we’ll share 5 books that’ll transform your video editing skills, making you a better editor and a storyteller with a purpose. These books will provide you with the tools to make every frame, every cut, and every color correction an intentional piece of a larger narrative puzzle.
1. “In The Blink of an Eye” By Walter Murch
When it comes to editing, Walter Murch is a name that echoes through the halls of cinema history. His book, “In the Blink of an Eye,” is less a manual and more a philosophical journey into the heart of film editing.
He introduces the concept of the “BLINK” as a natural cut point in our perception of reality. He argues that editors should cut not just for continuity or narrative clarity but to reflect the emotional rhythm of the scene.
This idea was revolutionary. It suggested that editing could be as intuitive and natural as blinking, each cut a subconscious signal to the viewer.
“In the Blink of an Eye” teaches that editing is an art form guided by intuition and emotion. Murch’s insights will give you the confidence to trust your instincts and prioritize your projects’ emotional and narrative essence over technical perfection.
2. “Cutting Rhythms” By Karen Pearlman
This book peels back the layers on how rhythm and pace are not just musical concepts but can be used to create engaging visual stories. Pearlman argues that understanding the rhythm of your footage can lead to more intuitive edits.
She introduces the concept of “DYNAMIC RHYTHM”. An approach where cuts should be adjusted not just to the external music but to the internal beats of the scene. This includes the actor’s movements, the emotional intensity of the dialogue, and even the natural pauses that punctuated the action.
“Cutting Rhythms” will revolutionize your approach to editing by teaching you to listen to the unspoken rhythm of your footage. This book proved that an editor, much like a musician, can shape the mood and tempo of a story, creating a visual symphony that connects with the viewer on a deep, emotional level.
3. “Color Correction Handbook” By Alexis Van Hurkman
“Color Correction Handbook” lays a solid foundation on the technicalities of color science workflows, and the tools of the trade. But its true value lies in Van Hurkman’s approach to using color as a narrative device.
He teaches readers to think of color correction not just as a post-production task but as an integral part of the pre-production planning and storytelling process.
One particularly enlightening concept was the use of color to guide the viewer’s emotional journey through the film. Van Hurkman discusses how different color palettes can be used to evoke specific feelings.
He also explores the psychological impact of color and how subtle shifts in hues, saturation, and contrast can subconsciously influence the audience’s perception of the story.
“Color Correction Handbook” will transform your perspective on color grading from a technical task to an essential storytelling tool.
4. “The Lean Forward Moment” By Norm Hollyn
This book comes from a master professor and professional video editor. It takes apart the entire film process, examining every scene, its purpose, and the different elements that make up a film.
Norm Hollyn advises editors to have a solid plan but also to be ready to make changes over and over again. The book’s title is inspired by what’s known as the Lean Forward Moment. That point in a scene when the audience leans forward in their seats, fully engaged.
To identify these moments, he suggests asking three questions for each scene:
- Who does the scene belong to?
- How does that character change during the scene?
- And where exactly does that change happen?
“The Lean Forward Moment” offers a brilliant, modern look into the world of filmmaking and editing.
5. “Adobe Premiere Pro CC Classroom In A Book” By Maxim Jago
This book stands out for its practical, hands-on approach to mastering Adobe Premiere Pro. This book’s lessons aim not just to teach the software’s features but also to integrate them into a workflow that enhances creativity and efficiency.
You’ll find strategies for organizing projects, from import to export, ensuring that editors can focus on creative decisions and less on navigating technical hurdles.
Another invaluable lesson is the exploration of Premiere Pro’s extensive toolkit for storytelling. The author explores the software’s capabilities for color grading, audio editing, and effects in depth, demonstrating how to use these tools to enhance the narrative impact of a video.
“Adobe Premiere Pro CC Classroom in a Book” will not only sharpen your technical skills but also broaden your understanding of how those skills could be applied creatively to tell more compelling stories.
The journey of learning and growth never ends, so I encourage every aspiring video editor to read these 5 books, absorb their wisdom, and apply their teachings.
Also, check-out:
- 10 Passive Income Streams For Video Editors
- 5 Free eBooks To Learn Adobe After Effects & Motion Graphics