Post-Production : Editors first: story before style by Timothy Miller

Timothy Miller

Editors first: story before style

Whether you’re cutting an high-octane action sequence, a slow-burn drama, a documentary, or even a fast-paced 'Let’s Play,' one principle remains universal: the narrative is king.

As editors, it’s easy to get caught up in technical flair or "cool" transitions, but if the edit doesn't serve the story’s core arc, the audience will eventually disconnect. Every cut should have a purpose. Before you touch the timeline, ask yourself: Does this move the narrative forward?

I'd love to hear from the lounge—how do you refocus when an edit starts drifting away from the story?

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