interview editing

In this video, I’ll show you the final result and some steps involved in editing an interview [insert context, e.g., documentary / for a corporate project].

People often think that editing an interview simply means removing pauses, mistakes, or hesitations (the classic “um”s). In reality, the editor’s true job is to sculpt the raw footage to extract the emotional and informational essence of the story, setting the pace without the viewer ever noticing the artifice of the cut.

For this project, my approach focused on three key elements:

Pacing and “Invisible Editing” (J-Cut & L-Cut): To avoid jarring jump cuts and ensure a smooth flow, I worked asynchronously with audio and video. We hear the subject’s voice before seeing their face (J-cut), or their voice continues as the shot shifts to a close-up (L-cut). This softens the transitions and guides the viewer’s attention naturally.

Storytelling Through Images (B-Roll): Words alone aren’t enough. I strategically selected and placed B-roll footage not only to hide necessary cuts in the main track but also to expand on the meaning of what’s being said. The images “respond” to the words, creating a visual layer that enriches the story.