Lexicon

Fine cut

If you deal with the topic of video marketing, you will certainly come across the terms "rough cut" and "fine cut". In the production phase of a film or video, editors, producers or video editors differentiate between these two terms.  

The "rough cut" is the rough "framework" of a video or film that is cut together from the existing video and film material. It refers to the first phase of the editing process in a video editing program of your choice. The editor/producer/editor cuts and places the existing/filmed material in a specially selected sequence to create a narrative structure - (and) the first visualization of the storyline thus becomes recognizable.

The "rough cut" is followed by the "final cut". The term "fine cut" (final cut) refers to the last phase of the video editing process in film and video production. It is "the final touch" for the film or video - the detailed design of the rough cut with various technical elements. The transitions become smoother with dissolves to create a fluid and appealing narrative. Graphics and effects provide that little bit extra. Once the visual fine cut has been made, the sound design is finalized and embedded.  

The importance and process of the fine cut

In the final cut, important decisions are made that can influence the rhythm and emotions of the movie. A well-designed fine cut can captivate the viewer and bring the story to life. The design elements used give the film depth and atmosphere that reach the viewer emotionally.  

It's a creative process that requires a lot of patience, sensitivity and know-how. You think about which scenes fit together best and thereby determine the narrative flow. The plot should always be logical and comprehensible, so you may have to shorten some scenes or remove them completely. We say: "Kill your favorites" - make decisions and say goodbye to things/scenes, even if it's not easy. When selecting scenes, also pay attention to the timing. The transitions should be harmonious, because disjointed cuts can pull the viewer out of the story and cause confusion. This rule is at least in line with mainstream viewing conventions. In film literature, there is talk of the "invisible cut" - the so-called Hollywood cut or découpage classique. The art of breaking the rules is a skillful instrument of film language, especially in fine editing. It is a kind of "targeted provocation" that breaks the classic rules of continuity: the cut triggers the exact opposite of "invisibility" in the viewer. The "jump cut" - a deliberate jump between two shots - is an example of such a form of film editing. Jean-Luc Godard, godfather of the French nouvelle vague, used the jump cut in his hit film "Out of Breath (Original: À bout de souffle)" because his first rough cut of the film was far too long.

Tools for fine cutting

Professional software is available for rough and fine editing. Popular programs are: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer or DaVinci Resolve.  

These programs offer a variety of functions that help you to realize your ideas and visions audiovisually (effects, sounds and much more can be added). For your first steps in the video editing business, tutorials on these programs will help you to get the most out of your fine editing.

The role of the fine cut in marketing

Your goal is to get others excited about your products? Do you want to reach the right target group and arouse their curiosity for "more"? Then video marketing is an important means of attracting attention.  

Especially in social media, emotional and well-produced videos are a popular medium for arousing the interest of viewers. Videos with new creative elements stand out from the crowd and are more likely to be shared and commented on. This increases the reach of your product or company and makes you stand out. It also increases the likelihood that people will identify with your brand. If you have mastered the cinematic language of editing, you can use it as a tool for your marketing.

Conclusion on the fine cut

Fine editing is an indispensable part of film production, because with the right tools and techniques, this final touch ensures that the story is told in an exciting and appealing way. You should always take a critical approach to your work and be prepared to try out new things, as this will keep you up to date and set you apart from the competition. At Golden Claim, we have a number of producers who are extremely good at fine editing and know how to play with it.