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Editing with Location Sound & Scoring
Course Overview
Course Objective
To equip students with a foundation in editing, enabling them to effectively collaborate with various departments and bring their creative vision to life.
What You'll Learn
Edit film and video projects using Adobe Premiere Pro, applying industry-standard techniques and best practices
Record and gather high-quality sound from location using a boom mic and mixer
Design and edit sound for film and video projects, incorporating sound effects, FX, and music
Score film and video projects using pre-existing music, applying basic scoring techniques and principles
Collaborate effectively to produce a final film or video project showcasing technical and creative skills
How You're Assessed
Assessment
Course Work
80%Editing exercises & projects
40%Location sound recording exercises & projects
20%Sound design & scoring projects
20%Final Assessment
20%Final group project — cross-department production
20%Attendance: Given the intensive nature of this course, unapproved absences may negatively impact your academic performance and final grade. Please notify your instructor in advance if you need to miss a class.
20 Weeks · 1 Semester
Course Curriculum
Six months moving from editing theory and Adobe Premiere Pro through sound design, location sound recording, and a full cross-department production project.
Theory
- ›Understanding Narrative Structure — three-act structure, character development, and plot progression
- ›The Knowledge of Continuity — maintaining consistency in costumes, props, and settings
- ›The Art of Visual Storytelling — composition, lighting, and camera angles
- ›Theories of Editing — montage, continuity editing, and avant-garde editing
Practical
- ›Adobe Premiere Pro Basics — introduction to the timeline, preview monitor, and effects controls
Film References
- ›The Shawshank Redemption (1994) — continuity and narrative structure
- ›Pulp Fiction (1994) — non-linear storytelling and editing
- ›The Matrix (1999) — visual effects and innovative editing
- ›The Godfather (1972) — long takes and classical editing
Theory
- ›Understanding the Importance of Organisation — importing and managing media, creating a project structure
- ›Understanding Transitions — cuts, dissolves, and wipes, and how to use them effectively
Practical
- ›Adobe Premiere Pro — creating and organising projects, importing video, audio, and still images, assembling on the timeline, and exporting
- ›Basic Editing Exercises — cutting a simple scene, practising cutting on action and match cuts
Film References
- ›The Social Network (2010) — fast-paced editing and dialogue-driven scenes
- ›The Avengers (2012) — visual effects and action editing
- ›The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) — symmetrical composition and quirky editing
- ›Jaws (1975) — suspenseful editing and music
Theory
- ›Understanding Colour and Composition — colour grading and composition techniques in visual storytelling
- ›Understanding the Shot — still shots, pans, tilts, and zooms, and how to use them effectively
- ›Expanding or Compressing Time — slow motion, fast motion, and time-lapse techniques
Practical
- ›Cutting a more complex scene or sequence — cutting on action, match cuts, and J-cuts
Film References
- ›2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) — slow-paced editing and philosophical themes
- ›The Bourne Identity (2002) — fast-paced editing and action sequences
- ›The Princess Bride (1987) — swashbuckling action and editing techniques
- ›Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) — non-linear storytelling and editing
Theory
- ›The Importance of Sound in Storytelling — human voice, ambient noise, sound effects, and music; creating mood, atmosphere, and tension
- ›Sound Design Principles — layering, processing, and mixing
Practical
- ›Basic Sound Design Techniques — practising layering, processing, and mixing
- ›Sound Effects and FX — using sound effects and FX to enhance the narrative
Film References
- ›Star Wars (1977) — sound effects and music in creating a cinematic experience
- ›The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) — sound design and music in a fantasy world
- ›The Silence of the Lambs (1991) — sound design and music creating tension and suspense
- ›Apocalypse Now (1979) — sound design and music creating a surreal atmosphere
Theory
- ›Introduction to Location Sound Recording — the importance of good sound quality and the challenges of recording on location
- ›Sound Gathering Techniques — boom mic and mixer operation
Practical
- ›Basic Sound Recording Techniques — practising boom mic and mixer operation
- ›Sound Recording Etiquette and Best Practices — minimising background noise and ensuring good sound quality
- ›Exercise: 5-minute script with a narrative structure provided to students
Film References
- ›The Hurt Locker (2008) — sound design and location recording in a realistic war experience
- ›The Revenant (2015) — sound design and location recording creating an immersive experience
- ›Saving Private Ryan (1998) — sound design and location recording in a realistic war experience
- ›The Blair Witch Project (1999) — sound design and location recording in a found-footage film
Cross-Department Collaboration
Meet the team assigned to the project. Break down the script and discuss all creative issues — art direction, lighting, visual style, pace, and shot list — in preparation for the shoot.
Pre-Production — 5 Min Project
Pre-production on the 5-minute project with the assigned cross-department team — finalising the sound plan, edit workflow, and all technical preparation ahead of the shoot.
On-Set Production
Production of the 5-minute project in association with all departments. Editing students are responsible for location sound recording on set, working alongside peers from Directing, Cinematography, Acting, Art Direction, and Producing.
Editing & Sound Integration
Students work on the final project, incorporating both editing and location sound — assembling the cut, integrating and mixing the recorded audio, and applying sound design and scoring to complete the project.
Debrief & Reflection
View all final projects and discuss the successes and challenges of the video shoot across teams.
- ›What went well — smooth coordination, effective communication, creative ideas that worked
- ›What didn't go as planned — technical issues, scheduling conflicts, creative differences
- ›Team feedback across Directing & Camera, Sound, and Production teams
- ›Lessons learned — identify areas for improvement and share best practices
Ready to Start?
Enrol in Certificate in Editing
Take the first step toward shaping stories in the edit suite. Contact our admissions team to learn more about intake dates and enrolment requirements.