In-camera Editing

What is it

This is a type of editing whereby the shots are filmed in the sequence that they will be viewed in. In-camera does not require any post-production editing as the storyline is followed while filming meaning no unnecessary shots are filmed.

How has it developed?

Invented in 1985 by the Lumiere brothers, in-camera editing was done because editing was firstly manually done. Film negatives would be spliced and then glued together on the parts where the director wanted cuts. But before this, film makers would shoot in the sequence of their storyboard. In-editing saved on time, film used and production costs.

Are they still relevant?

Due to digital advancements, in-camera editing is now only used by amateurs who cannot access editing equipment’s. It is also useful while filming events such as weddings where an order of events is followed. Though in a generation where post-editing techniques such as color changes or speed provide more variety for changing a shot, it is more affordable and possible to film shots.

Pioneers

Alfred Hitchcock was a notable film maker who directed the movie “Rope” which was shot in a single take. His detailed storyboard made the filming easier to follow and rumor has it he sometimes slept during filming.