Editing Theory & Aesthetics

$355.00

An intermediate 4 week course exploring the art, rhythm, and creative decision-making behind film editing.

Editing is more than cutting footage — it’s the invisible art that shapes story, rhythm, and emotion. This intermediate course explores how editing choices can transform an audience’s experience by manipulating time, space, and visual language.

A great follow-up for those who’ve completed Intro to Adobe Premiere Pro or Intro to DaVinci Resolve, this workshop is designed for editors ready to move beyond technical skill and into the creative process of storytelling through editing.

Unlike traditional post-production classes that focus on software training, Editing Theory & Aesthetics dives into the creative heart of editing. Through film analysis, guided exercises, and in-class projects, participants will explore rhythm, pacing, montage, and visual storytelling techniques that give films their unique pulse and power.

You’ll learn to make intentional editing decisions that support story structure, emotional tone, and visual flow — developing your creative voice as an editor and storyteller.

Course Highlights:

  • Dive deep into the creative process of editing through analysis and screenings of film excerpts

  • Explore strategies and techniques used by editors to create connections between images

  • Apply concepts hands-on in your projects and receive feedback from an industry editor + filmmaker

Topics Covered:

  • Exploring the history of film and video editing

  • Controlling what the audience sees

  • Identifying the logline

  • Performing script and scene analysis

  • Creating an editing plan

  • Cutting from on-camera to off-camera action

  • The value of recutting

  • Shaping moments with music

  • Working in a specific genre

  • Mixing editing styles

MORE INFORMATION

Location: This course will be held at the Austin School of Film in our iMac computer lab at The Clayton. All materials, equipment, software, and computers are provided for use during the workshop. To learn more about our locations, visit this link.

Who Should Attend: Ideal for individuals looking to deepen their understanding of the art and theory of editing, as well as those pursuing completion of the Film Forward Certificate Program. Students must be 18 years or older to enroll.

Supplies & Materials: Students are encouraged to bring personal footage or work-in-progress projects on an external drive for hands-on editing and in-class discussion.

Certificate: This course is part of Austin School of Film’s Film Forward Certificate Program

Prerequisites: Strong computer literacy skills are required. This intermediate-level course is intended for students with prior editing experience and proficiency in programs such as Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Adobe Premiere Pro. The class focuses on the aesthetics, rhythm, and theory behind editing rather than the technical aspects of software.

Certification: This course, along with all Austin School of Film programs, is approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.

HOW CAN I START A PAYMENT PLAN?

Anyone is eligible for a payment plan for any class if they need it! Email us to get started on a payment plan at classes@austinfilmschool.org. We require 50% of the tuition cost at registration and can divide the remaining balance in up to 2 additional equal payments.

Schedule:

An intermediate 4 week course exploring the art, rhythm, and creative decision-making behind film editing.

Editing is more than cutting footage — it’s the invisible art that shapes story, rhythm, and emotion. This intermediate course explores how editing choices can transform an audience’s experience by manipulating time, space, and visual language.

A great follow-up for those who’ve completed Intro to Adobe Premiere Pro or Intro to DaVinci Resolve, this workshop is designed for editors ready to move beyond technical skill and into the creative process of storytelling through editing.

Unlike traditional post-production classes that focus on software training, Editing Theory & Aesthetics dives into the creative heart of editing. Through film analysis, guided exercises, and in-class projects, participants will explore rhythm, pacing, montage, and visual storytelling techniques that give films their unique pulse and power.

You’ll learn to make intentional editing decisions that support story structure, emotional tone, and visual flow — developing your creative voice as an editor and storyteller.

Course Highlights:

  • Dive deep into the creative process of editing through analysis and screenings of film excerpts

  • Explore strategies and techniques used by editors to create connections between images

  • Apply concepts hands-on in your projects and receive feedback from an industry editor + filmmaker

Topics Covered:

  • Exploring the history of film and video editing

  • Controlling what the audience sees

  • Identifying the logline

  • Performing script and scene analysis

  • Creating an editing plan

  • Cutting from on-camera to off-camera action

  • The value of recutting

  • Shaping moments with music

  • Working in a specific genre

  • Mixing editing styles

MORE INFORMATION

Location: This course will be held at the Austin School of Film in our iMac computer lab at The Clayton. All materials, equipment, software, and computers are provided for use during the workshop. To learn more about our locations, visit this link.

Who Should Attend: Ideal for individuals looking to deepen their understanding of the art and theory of editing, as well as those pursuing completion of the Film Forward Certificate Program. Students must be 18 years or older to enroll.

Supplies & Materials: Students are encouraged to bring personal footage or work-in-progress projects on an external drive for hands-on editing and in-class discussion.

Certificate: This course is part of Austin School of Film’s Film Forward Certificate Program

Prerequisites: Strong computer literacy skills are required. This intermediate-level course is intended for students with prior editing experience and proficiency in programs such as Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Adobe Premiere Pro. The class focuses on the aesthetics, rhythm, and theory behind editing rather than the technical aspects of software.

Certification: This course, along with all Austin School of Film programs, is approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.

HOW CAN I START A PAYMENT PLAN?

Anyone is eligible for a payment plan for any class if they need it! Email us to get started on a payment plan at classes@austinfilmschool.org. We require 50% of the tuition cost at registration and can divide the remaining balance in up to 2 additional equal payments.

ABOUT THE EDUCATOR:

William F. Reed is an independent filmmaker based in Austin, Texas, with a rich background in the film industry. Beginning his career in Los Angeles, he worked on notable productions such as "Star Trek" (2009), "Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny" (2006), and "Epic Movie" (2007). In 2010, he founded Rude Boy Pictures, through which he has created a diverse portfolio of music videos, short films, documentaries, and narrative features, serving as writer, producer, director, and editor.

An avid supporter of the film community, William played a pivotal role in the creation of the Hill Country Film Festival (HCFF), where he continues to contribute as Technical Director and Film Programmer. He also collaborates with the Lone Star Film Society, serving as Lead Programmer for their annual Lone Star Film Festival (LSFF) and as Lead Instructor for their summer film camps, presented in conjunction with HCFF.

With seven years of experience teaching film production, cinematography, and post-production, William is thrilled to bring his expertise to the faculty at the Austin School of Film.