How to Craft Your Edit for Emotional Impact

Image courtesy of @hgcreations via Unsplash

Non-narrative editing, whether for a feature documentary or a promotional video, is an art that blends the visual and auditory realms to tell compelling stories that resonate with viewers on a deep emotional level. One of the key decisions that editors face is whether to include a direct soundbite from an interview subject or to opt for an on-screen graphic that summarizes the essence of the statement. While both approaches have their merits, there are situations where an on-screen graphic might be the more impactful choice, allowing viewers to project their emotions into the narrative.

Hearing a soundbite from an interview subject is undeniably powerful, the spoken word is not the only conduit for evoking feelings in your audience. In fact, sometimes relying solely on a soundbite might miss the mark, as the tone, inflection, and delivery of the statement might not align with the emotional atmosphere you're aiming to create. That’s because sometimes there might be a disconnect with what a subject is feeling and how the subject expresses that feeling.

Here's where the subtlety of on-screen graphics comes into play. By selecting a poignant snippet of an interview and encapsulating it in a well-designed visual element, you invite the audience to engage with the content in a unique way. Instead of taking an emotional cue from the nuances of an interviewee's voice, viewers have the opportunity to interpret the words themselves, allowing them to connect on a personal level by projecting their own emotions on what they’re reading.

When reading a summarized statement on screen, audiences are more likely to impose their own emotions onto the words, effectively becoming co-creators of the narrative. This can lead to a deeper emotional engagement, as viewers draw from their own experiences and perspectives to infuse the scene with their personal feelings. This is where sound design and musical score of the piece can really help guide the emotion you’re going for.

Of course, there's no one-size-fits-all solution in non-narrative editing. Every project is unique, and the decision to use an on-screen graphic or a soundbite should always stem from a careful consideration of the story's context, your creative vision, and the desired emotional impact. By incorporating both techniques thoughtfully, you can create a multi-layered viewing experience that appeals to a wide range of emotions.

By recognizing the moments when viewers can better connect by projecting their emotions onto summarized statements, editors have the opportunity to craft narratives that leave a lasting impact on audiences.