The pace of edits, the placement of the cuts and the use of transitions are perhaps among the easiest and most valuable lessons you can learn by watching a classic film. Carefully watch the film frame by frame and see where the editor placed the cut between two shots. Could the editor have cut sooner or later? Why did he or she choose to make the cut at that precise point? Has the editor hidden the cut in a well-designed matched-action sequence?

When watching a film sequence by sequence, shot by shot, you may be surprised by the number of cuts you find. A good editor hides the cuts in well-shot matched-action sequences, always cutting on motion and maintaining a smooth flow from shot to shot. This flow leads to a sense of continuity that makes the scene believable and the passage of time reasonable. Observe this flow and take its lessons to your next editing session.

Unfortunately, new filmmakers often overlook audio. When studying films, listen to the audio without watching the picture. Does the audio convey the story and provide a sense of what is happening? Is the audio clean and consistent, and does it show good dynamic range? Are there any points where the audio is overmodulated and fuzzy? Is the dialog clear and concise?

Now watch the film with both audio and image present. Does the music work with the image? Do the sound elements of dialog and effects sound natural in the aural landscape and match the physical landscape? Carefully watch the film to try to determine how the audio director miked the actors.

One of the toughest things to do in audio production is to create a three-dimensional aural landscape that matches the level and tone of the audio with the physical space in which it is created. For example, a lav microphone placed on an actor that you see at a distance will sound very unnatural. Use a shotgun and place it at a distance from the actor, so that the voice matches the distance we see. These will not be equal. The microphone will be much closer to the actor than you might think. To practice mic placement, choose a favorite scene from a movie and try to duplicate the sound you hear.

Effects and graphics are just a small portion of most films. Watch how the filmmaker used the opening credits to portray the mood of the pieces, as well as to give credit where credit is due. Pay close attention to any special effects, step through them frame by frame to see how they were shot and try to identify the technology behind them. If the shot was computer-generated, does it look real and does it fit seamlessly with the real-action sequences? Can you tell when the director is using a matte painting, a computer-generated background, a stunt double or a model? By carefully examining the film, you can begin your education in the world of special effects.

The story, of course, is the ultimate point of study for any critical viewer. Does the story have a character you care about and who is in a situation that will be hard to get out of? Do the acting and direction work with the character and story, or do they seem at odds with each other, drawing attention to their craft instead of enhancing the story? Try your best to stay detached from the story and its characters, so that you can be an objective observer. Break the video down into its essential elements and enjoy the discoveries you will make as you enter the video classroom.

Contributing editor Robert G. Nulph, Ph.D., is an independent video/film producer/director and teaches video production courses at the college level.