Editing Rubric

The following editing rubric identifies characteristics that I consider to be the most significant not just to me, but to professionals. Read carefully. Points are awarded based on which category your work falls under. If you find yourself achieving less than what you desire, then make the opportunity to see me and we can discuss.


Criteria
Basic Editing
  • Cutting
  • Transitions
  • Pacing
  • Continuity
Unsatisfactory (1-6.9)
* Clips begin or end with slack time or in mid-action
* Transitions like dissolves or wipes are used too many times, or there are too many different transitions used without thought or purpose
* Many clips feel too long or too short and leave out essential action or dialogue
* Several clips do not fit the storyline or are ordered poorly.
* SOTs get cut off or up-cut rather abruptly
* Lots of popping in the audio at transitions.
* Lack of proper audio mixing - ambient noise overwhelms SOTS or VO.
* Audio levels not consistent



Proficient Range 
(7-8.9)
* Most clips edited to remove slack time and to begin and end with thought to action.
* Basic transitions used appropriately and the types of transition usually added as appropriate to the scene.
* Most video clips move at a steady pace, fast enough to keep the audience interested and slow enough to tell the complete story.
* Most video clips fit the storyline an most transitions between scenes thoughtfully executed.
* Audio levels mostly consistent
Exemplary Range 
(9-10)
* Clips show no slack time and begin and end with thought to action.
* All transitions between clips appropriate, suit the mood and content and smooth the flow from one scene to the next.
* Variety of pacing and changes fit the "mood" of the content.
* Pacing keeps viewers interested
* All video clips fit the storyline and transition between scenes thoughtfully executed.
* Audio transitions are smooth and free of popping noise
* Audio mixed properly and levels are consistent
Criteria
Enhancements

  • Titles
  • Voice Overs
  • Music
  • Sound FX
  • Graphics
  • Animation
  • Special FX
Unsatisfactory (1-6.9)
* Titles and subtitles unclear due to font, size or colour contrast
* Background music overly loud or too quiet
* Narration sound stilted, unrehearsed or lacking energy and motivation
* Sound FX unrelated or sounds fake
* Sound FX too loud or too faint
* Some of the graphics, animations or FX seem unrelated or uninspired
* Some of the graphics actually detract from the topic/theme/mood
* Most graphics are clipart or "borrowed" from the WWW
* Graphics unclear due to size, composition or resolution





Proficient Range 
(7-8.9)
* Titles and subtitles usually clear and used appropriately
* Background music and sound FX usually balanced well (doesn't overpower the main audio or VO)
* Music, FX and narration appropriate to mood/pacing.
* Most of the graphics, animations or FX seem related to and enhance the topic/theme/mood message
* Some graphics are original while others are clipart or "borrowed" from the WWW
* Most graphics clear (appropriate size, composition, colour and resolution)
Exemplary (9-10)
* Titles and subtitles always clear and used appropriately to enhance the story/content
* Innovative
* Background music and sound FX always balanced well
* Music and FX enhance mood/pacing
* Creative/appropriate use of sound effects, narration, etc.
* All of the graphics, animations or FX seem related to and enhance the topic/theme/mood message
* Most graphics clear (appropriate size, composition, resolution, colour)
* All elements synthesised well with each other
Criteria
Content

  • Video (B-roll)
  • Creativity
Unsatisfactory (1-6.9)
* The video is a disconnected (or loosely connected) series of shots (wallpapering) with no unifying story or structure
* Random or irrelevant content included
* Little evidence of imagination, creativity or thoughtfulness
* No style or mood is apparent
Proficient Range 
(7-8.9)
* The video tells a connected story or has a clear and complete structure
* Most content relates to the storyline
* Some evidence of imagination, creativity or thoughtfulness
* Some evidence of thought to style and mood, though may not suit the content
Exemplary (9-10)
* The video tells a compelling story or has a compelling structure and is expressed creatively
* All content relates to the storyline
* Provides fresh, interesting or humorous insights
* Thorough evidence of imagination, creativity or thoughtfulness
* Evidence that the style or mood suits the content
* Creative and original