Editing the Short Documentary
Class - Photography | Registration opens 5/12/2026 9:00 AM EDT
Bring the documentary we filmed to life in the edit. In this immersive two-week class, students will take the footage captured in Create a Short Documentary and transform it into a finished short film through the art of editing. While filming gathers the raw material, editing is where story, rhythm, and meaning fully emerge. Through guided instruction and hands-on practice, students will learn how to organize footage, build a sequence, refine pacing, and use sound to strengthen emotion and clarity. We’ll explore how each editorial decision—from the first assembly to the final cut—shapes the viewer’s experience and helps reveal the heart of the story.
Whether you are continuing from Part I or joining with your own documentary footage, this course will demystify the post-production process and give you the tools to complete a polished short documentary.
Week 1: Organizing the Story — From Footage to Rough Cut
We’ll begin by importing, reviewing, and organizing footage for clarity and efficiency. Students will learn how to identify the strongest moments, select effective interview bites or observational scenes, and begin building a rough cut. Topics include workflow, timeline structure, continuity, and how to shape a documentary narrative from raw material.
Week 2: Refining the Edit — Pacing, Structure, and Meaning
This week focuses on strengthening the film through thoughtful revision. We’ll examine scene order, transitions, trimming, and how pacing affects emotion and engagement. Students will refine their edits by clarifying story beats, improving visual flow, and discovering how juxtaposition, reaction shots, and B-roll deepen meaning.Other topics discussed will be music placement, titles, and exporting for different viewing platforms.
What You’ll Gain:
- Practical experience editing a short documentary
- A stronger understanding of pacing, sequencing, and narrative structure
- Skills in organizing footage and building an efficient editing workflow
- Insight into how sound, music, and titles enhance storytelling
- A finished short documentary ready for sharing or portfolio use
Recommended for:
Students who completed Create a Short Documentary or anyone with documentary footage ready to edit.
Bryan Rierson
Bryan is a full-time commercial photographer with over 25 years experience based in the Winston-Salem, NC area. A graduate of the Randolph Community College Photographic Technology program, he has produced work for national advertising agencies, corporations, and worldwide publications. He also has extensive experience photographing portraits and weddings both on film and digitally. He began teaching photography in 2011 with the Peace Camera workshop series in Raleigh, NC. Bryan's personal work is now focused on medium and large format film portraits and landscapes.