Video Editing a Single Camera Shoot
- Posted on 15th April 2017
- in Entertainment, entertainment books, Final Cut Pro, Hollywood memoirs, New York City, Video Editing, Video Production, Video Production & Editing
- by Ben
A
video editing
story from Waiting for Elizabeth.
From early February through June 2003, with DP Peter Longauer, I shot and directed a documentary about the production of Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite; an off-off-Broadway showcase. It comprises three one-act plays. The first and third were played by Eric Brown and Melinda Pinto, the second by Danny Piscitelli and Priscilla Clark.
By early June Peter and I had no more shooting scheduled until the load-in to the theatre on the 16th. That changed on Wednesday the 11th – eight days from opening night – when I got a late afternoon call from Eric who was also the producer.
“You’ve been complaining about no drama. You want drama? We’ve got it. Grab your camera and get down to Flo’s studio by 6:30. Danny’s dropping out of the show.”
Until we gathered at (the director) Flo’s studio, ostensibly for a rehearsal, no one knew this but Danny, Eric and me.
While I was concerned for the play production I was excited for the documentary. Something truly dramatic was about to happen. Peter wasn’t available so I went alone. There I was, one camera, on-board mic only with Danny, Flo, Eric, Melinda and Priscilla.
The next day Flo’s former student, Paul Galichia, was pressed into service. He was given Friday to study the script and on Saturday had his first read through with Priscilla. Though several years younger than Danny Paul brought a surprising maturity as well as a refreshing lightness to the role.
Someone who has not experienced the process of video editing will never appreciate why I’m so proud of this short example of the technique. PS: Eric couldn’t get the rights from Simon so Nyack to 9th Avenue was never released.
For more stories of video editing and many other adventures click here to get Waiting for Elizabeth.
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