The Mudhouse: Editing EXERCISE

NAT SOUND MONTAGE

For: Groups of 1-2
Difficulty: Beginner

Objective
Upon completion of this exercise, students will be able to recognize nat sound pops in raw footage, find the beginning, middle, and end of each shot, and demonstrate ability to make basic edits in the editing software of your choice.

Points to emphasize

  • Listen for nat sound pops.

  • Every shot must have a beginning, middle, and end.

  • Pacing is everything. Cutting too fast can seem hectic. Cutting too slow can make the montage drag.

Equipment: Computer, editing software, headphones

Assignment

Students must create a montage of 10 clips. B-Roll only. No interviews or standups. The clips can be as long or short as they want, but each clip must feature some sort of nat sound. The total project should be no more than 30 seconds in length. Bonus points for students who can tell a story with their clips.

 

 

Example nat sound montage

We suggest waiting until after the students are finished to show the example.

 

Relevant Lesson
Volume 3: B-Roll, Chapter 2: “Natural Sound”