Ken Burns Video Editing Process - 10 Multiple-Choice Questions

What does Ken Burns call the “most important part” of filmmaking?

• Cinematography

• Editing

• Scriptwriting

• Fundraising

Burns says editing is a synthesis of what?

• Music and sound effects

• All the material you’ve gathered

• Actor performances

• Marketing plans

What does Burns emphasize about collaborators?

• They must have prior experience

• Trust is more important than artistic skill

• They should work in isolation and excel

• Only hire professionals who have film experience

What is a “blind assembly”?

• A rough cut with no sound

• A rough cut with narration/dialogue only

• A rough cut following the script exactly

• A color-graded cut of the film

Why does Burns say the first assembly should be “terrible”?

• To discourage feedback from anyone too early on

• To leave room for iterative improvement

• To save budget so the editing goes quicker

• To give you confidence when you finish the edit

What is Burns’ “single greatest talent” during screenings?

• Seeing people's reactions to each edit we made

• Viewing the film as a first-time audience member

• Seeing how to audience reacts to the film

• Getting a Q&A filled out after the screening

What role do historical advisors play in Burns’ process?

• Edit the final cut

• Feedback during rough cuts

• Compose music

• Manage budgets

Burns compares editing to climbing what?

• Mount Kilimanjaro

• Base camp of Everest

• The Grand Canyon

• A local hill.

What does Burns say is the "greatest thing" for improving a film?

• Expensive equipment

• Time

• Famous narrators

• Social media buzz

What does Burns advise avoiding in filmmaking?

• Feedback screenings

• Quick and dirty edits

• Collaboration

• Music