Creative Editing: The Moving Image as Medium

Are you curious about film editing? Does the thought of using the moving image as a medium for self-expression fill you with excitement? If so, this workshop is perfect for you. As part of a group of passionate editors, you will learn creative editing techniques, become well-versed in Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve editing software, and acquire the confidence to take your work as a creative editor to the next level.

Together, we will learn to use digital editing software such as Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve as tools for experimentation and creativity.

Schedule (5 sessions)

• Tuesday, February 4, 6:30-8:30pm
• Tuesday, February 11, 6:30-8:30pm
• Tuesday, February 18, 7:00-9:30pm
• Tuesday, February 25, 7:00-9:30pm
• Tuesday, March 3, 7:00-9:30

This course takes the form of a sequential workshop. Each of the five sessions will begin with an example of historical or contemporary work that features creative editing in a new light, followed by a discussion to move what we’ve covered from the realm of theory to that of practice. Each class, participants will produce short films or installation pieces that emphasize the “creative” in creative editing. All works produced as a part of the workshop will be showcased at the end of the course.

Examples analyzed in class vary from experimental icons such as Maya Deren and Stan Brakhage to contemporary artists like Sylvia Schedelbauer and Martin Arnold. Rather than mimicking theory and watching examples, our goal is to take inspiration from these early explorations and assimilate what we’ve learned into our own practice. Participants will learn how to incorporate colour and metaphoric imagery into their creative process and—first and foremost—how to use editing as a tool for self-expression. Together we will explore digital editing techniques such as how to use flicker, inversion, juxtaposition, and keying. At the end of the session, participants are encouraged to continue creating work as editors; they will leave with a strong foundation in the technical tools and resources necessary to guide them on their journeys.

This class is geared toward emerging editors who already have a basic understanding of software such as Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro. Premiere Pro will be the main tool used for editing throughout the class. This workshop showcases creative and experimental editing forms, but will also provide those interested in commercial editing with the opportunity to develop their skill sets. If you have an open mind and a passion for editing, this is the workshop for you.

Elian Mikkola is a queer filmmaker, editor, and installation artist currently based in Montréal. Their work focuses on metaphoric queer and trans narratives through different film mediums and genres. Mikkola holds an MFA in Media Production from the University of Regina and a BA in Journalism from Tampere University. Their award-winning debut film SAARI (2016) was selected for the student program of TIFF’s Canada’s Top Ten Film Festival and Festival du Nouveau Cinéma for 2016-2017. Mikkola’s video and film installations have been exhibited in Regina and Montréal. They are a part of La lumière collective, based in Montréal. Mikkola is also a board member at Queer City Cinema.