This workshop examines how filmmakers and video artists can use editing to create and clarify meaning. After watching and discussing clips from a wide range of films, the participants receive quick assignments which put these ideas to immediate use.

We will consider both abstract approaches and classical continuity editing. As these editing concepts are relevant for both narrative and experimental films, we will watch examples from a wide range of films to explore some of the many options filmmakers have at their disposal. 

At the beginning of each day we will watch clips that illustrate specific editing concepts. After the introductory discussion, the workshop participants will receive an assignment which puts these ideas to immediate use. Depending on the assignment, the participants will work alone or in small groups to conceive, shoot and edit their own quick videos. As these ideas and techniques are relevant to all types of film, each assignment will be open enough so that the participants can complete them according to their artistic interests - whether as short narratives, abstract experiments or something in between. At the end of each session, we will reconvene to watch and talk about the new videos.

This workshop is suitable for video artists, experimental filmmakers or anyone interested in working with moving images. The focus of this workshop is on the conceptual basis of editing. There will be no instruction on editing programs, but extensive editing experience is not necessary. Basic familiarity with a simple smart phone app is all that is required.

Please note: as the emphasis is on developing spontaneous responses to new input, this workshop is not suited to people who would like to edit work-in-progress.

Michelle Alperin works mainly with moving images in short narrative films, video installations, animations and objects. Her works analyze, interrogate and dissect the structure, language and visual details of narrative cinema and experimental film. She is especially interested in filmic depictions of subjectivity and representations of verbal and non-verbal communication. Born in Los Angeles, California, Michelle got her BA in Fine Art from UCLA and her MFA in Fine Art from Art Center College of Design. After several artist’s residencies in Berlin, Michelle settled there at the end of 2004. Michelle has taught video art in the Fine Art foundation year (Grundlehre) of the University of the Arts (UdK), Berlin since April 2017. At the UdK, she teaches a weekly video art course, participates in group critiques and gives workshops on various topics, including editing.

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More information: Berlin Winter University