Aspiring filmmakers in Nagaland gained valuable insights into the art of film editing and storytelling during a masterclass led by industry experts Moses Marks and Dominic Sangma. The sessions explored the psychology behind editing, the emotional impact of different editing styles, and the journey from script to screen.
The psychology of editing: How human perception shapes film
In the first masterclass session, titled ”Why Some Edits Feel Right: The Psychology of Editing,” Moses Marks delved into the intricate ways human perception influences editing choices. He explained that editing is more than assembling scenes—it shapes narrative flow, establishes rhythm, and profoundly impacts the audience’s emotional experience.
Marks covered essential editing techniques, including continuity editing, montage, jump cuts, match cuts, and cross-cutting. He also introduced nuanced methods such as J-cuts, L-cuts, dissolves, wipes, and fades, which create seamless transitions. Other techniques like freeze frames, smash cuts, and invisible cuts were highlighted as tools to enhance storytelling’s psychological depth.
A key part of the discussion focused on sound’s role in editing. Marks emphasized that sound is not just an accompaniment but a crucial element that establishes atmosphere, enhances emotions, builds tension, and directs audience focus. “Follow your gut, prepare to adapt, and make bold cuts,” he advised, reminding attendees that impactful editing is both technical and psychological.
Editing for emotion: Making audiences laugh, cry, or feel suspense
In the second session, ”Editing for Emotion: How Cuts Can Make Audiences Laugh, Cry, or Feel Suspense,” Marks explored how strategic cuts evoke specific emotions. Using examples from films like Memento by Christopher Nolan and his own film Paper Airplanes, he demonstrated how pacing and focus shape audience engagement.
Participants learned how pacing, rhythm, juxtaposition, and pauses influence emotional storytelling. Marks illustrated how a well-placed cut can heighten tension, while an extended shot allows audiences to fully absorb a character’s emotions. He emphasized that an editor’s choices directly impact the emotional journey of a film and how it is perceived by viewers.
The session concluded with a Q&A, where Marks encouraged students to pursue filmmaking as a career. Topics discussed ranged from editing techniques to documentary filmmaking.
From script to screen: The journey of storytelling
The final masterclass session, ”From Script to Screen: Evolution of Story,” was led by Dominic Sangma, a professor of Film and Television from Meghalaya. Reflecting on his first film Mamma, Sangma shared how filmmaking shaped his life and encouraged young filmmakers to persist despite initial struggles.
“Films are a reflection of oneself, and emotions are expressed visually,” he noted, adding that this is the right time for filmmakers from the Northeast to step into the industry.