Noticing Video Editing Techniques

I watched a National Geographic episode of Explorer called Peru's Mass Grave Mystery about the discovery of a site in Peru with over 100 skeletal remains of the Chachapoya civilization, who were known as the "Cloud Warriors."  It has not been determined what happened to these people, and they were found not buried, but on the floor of their houses.  

 

There was very good video editing in this show, with varying shots from different angles and distances, even if they were of the same subject.  It kept me interested and I was able to see how the narrator would introduce specific people and describe what is happening in general, and then cut to the person who would give much more detail.  

 

In the beginning of the show, a segment went from a wide shot of the mountain side and site to a close-up of an archaeologist brushing off a skull to a medium shot of the sectioned-off site to a close up shot of a photographer.  There was voice over the video for the entire show.    

Most shots were on the screen for 2-4 seconds, though there was an occasional 6-7 second shot, seemingly for dramatic effect.  Another segment showed the archaeologists descending a rock wall, going from a wide shot from below to a close shot from above to a medium shot from below, then to a close up of the pulley hammered into the rock, and back to a medium shot of a single climber.  

 

The shots were very well varied and edited.  I was able to notice many of the techniques that were discussed in class, and after editing video myself, appreciate the work that went into putting it together.  You can find out more at the National Geographic website.