The Technique of Film and Video Editing
History, Theory, and Practice
by Ken Dancyger
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Book Presentation:
This seventh edition of The Technique of Film and Video Editing provides a detailed, precise look at the artistic and aesthetic principles and practices of editing for both picture and sound.
Industry veteran Ken Dancyger puts into context the storytelling choices an editor will have to make against a background of theory, history, and practice across a range of genres, including action, comedy, drama, documentary, and experimental forms, featuring analysis of dozens of classic and contemporary films. This seventh edition includes new chapters on the developments of different genres and how these changes have affected editing decisions. This includes the recent predominance of biopic films, such as Oppenheimer (2023) and Maestro (2023), which will both be compared with earlier precedents, such as The Life of Emile Zola and Elizabeth. Then the book will also consider the changes and movements with melodrama, comedy, and soft satire.
This is an essential resource for students and professionals seeking both a contextual background as well as a practical guide for the best editing tips and tricks.
About the Author:
Ken Dancyger is Professor Emeritus of Film and Television at Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, as well as the author of numerous books on screenwriting, editing, and production, including Alternative Scriptwriting (with Jeff Rush) and Writing the Short Film (with Patricia Cooper), The Director’s Idea, and Global Scriptwriting, all published by Routledge/Focal Press. Ken also conducts scriptwriting and editing workshops internationally.
Press Reviews:
Praise for the Sixth Edition
"Ken Dancyger continues to update and improve this latest edition for what is already the ‘gold standard’ of books on editing. He knows good storytelling and how editing is integral to the process. He places this in historical context with theory and practice. If you are a student of editing, you should read this book."
Scott Arundale, Editor; Author of Modern Post: Workflows and Techniques for Digital Filmmakers
"Ken's additions to his book show all of us who love and study the craft of editing, a real understanding of the importance and stimulating impact editing has in helping tell a story, create mood, and shape characters."
Samuel D. Pollard, Academy Award Nominee, Emmy Award-winning Editor, Eyes on the Prize (1990), 4 Little Girls (1997), When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (2006), ACORN and the Firestorm (2017)
"From D.W. Griffith to MTV, from silent movies to action films, Dancyger explores not only history, techniques, and the social aspects of film and video, but he also looks at how technology has affected film and video making and editing. This isn't a quick read, but definitely worthwhile if you want to gain an understanding of what it takes to be an excellent director and editor."
Theano Nikitas, Camcorder & Computer Video
"Dancyger's book is an excellent introduction to the art of manipulating moving pictures and sound for students, amateurs, hobbyists and professionals alike."
Videomaker.com
See the publisher website: Routledge
> From the same author:
Alternative Scriptwriting (2023)
Contemporary Storytelling for the Screen
by Ken Dancyger, Jessie Keyt and Jeff Rush
Subject: Technique > Scriptwriting
> On a related topic:
Editing and Montage in International Film and Video (2017)
Theory and Technique
Contemporary Post-Production (2025)
Create, Cut, Collaborate, Color, Deliver
The Aesthetics of Digital Montage (2024)
Film Editing and Technological Change
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