UPDATE 7.2.08: Check out our new site The Final Cut Professional for the latest Final Cut Pro help.

People often get caught up in the technical aspects of editing and forget about the actual process. These are a few tips that I have learned in my 5 plus years editing video that I thought might be helpful to people just starting out and maybe the few who need to get back to the basics.

1. Detach yourself from the content.

This is especially true when you are editing your own work. You slaved away writing, directing, and shooting the film and now it is your baby that you don’t want to mess with. In order to be an effective editor, you must look at the piece from an objective angle or else you will restrict your editing choices and possibly sacrifice the quality of the final piece.

2. Experiment

Now that pretty much all editing is done on non-linear editing systems like Final Cut Pro and Avid, editors are free to try new things and they should. For example, when I edit in Final Cut I will often come up with an idea that might completely redo the whole sequence I have been working on. In this case, I will just copy the original sequence and then I have a saved version and I am free to hack up the new sequence and see where I end up.

3. Don’t Be Afraid To Cut

This ties into the first two tips. If something does not work in your sequence, get rid of it. I can think of countless examples when there was a bad take or line that made me cringe and I did not think it was possible to get rid of it. Once I took the leap of faith and cut that out, creativity took control of the rest and made the sequence work. You will feel better as an editor and the final product will be greatly improved if you cut the things that don’t work no matter how attached you may be to them (see tip #1).

4. Share Rough Cuts

It is crucial to step away from the work and allow someone else to look at it. Whether this is your producer or your buddy, either way you get a fresh perspective. Often you will work on a project for so long that you don’t know which way is up and an outsiders perspective helps you notice things you may have missed. A second opinion also gives you a better idea of where you are in the overall process.

5. Attention to Detail

Every frame counts. When you watch a sequence and something doesn’t seem right or it doesn’t quite fit, moving or cutting a clip a couple frames here and there often makes a world of difference. This also applies to the content within the clip. You should try and pay attention to everything going on in the frame because it affects the viewing experience whether or not the audience notices it at first.

Let me know what editing tips or tricks you have in the comments.

Driving sucks. Traffic sucks. Especially in L.A., where I live, or any major metropolitan area. What makes it even worse is that people suck at driving. If people were a little more aware, I think it would possibly improve traffic flow and definitely curb the frustration levels. Below is a list of some of my top driving peeves:

1. People who don’t use turn signals

Seriously folks, it’s a flick of the wrist and it will save you from me slitting your wrists. Especially when I am trying to turn into traffic or do some crazy left turn across six lanes and some douchebag coming towards me doesn’t turn on his signal and closes my window.

2. Assholes who turn out in front of you when there are no cars behind you.

Example, you are driving down the street towards a light, there is traffic in front of you, but you are the last in line. You leave a gap in between yourself and the car in front of you and a car pulls out in front of you to try and get into the flow of traffic when they could have waited two seconds and been fine.

3. People who don’t pull out for a left hand turn.

Man I hate these people. I’m talking about when the light is green, you pull out into the intersection and wait until you can turn. No excuse for not pulling out. Don’t be scared. This is especially true when there is no left turn signal and it is a busy intersection/time. This can make the difference between one person making the light and three people.

4. The Middle of the road Stop and Chat

I haven’t experienced this that often but when I do, it blows my mind. Two cars going opposite ways on a narrow street stop, roll down their windows and have a conversation. Meanwhile I’m stuck behind one of these morons wondering if there is a god. Pull over or call them please.

5. “If I Have An SUV, I get two parking spots right?”

This always happens to me at the gym and in parking garages. It’s almost like they think that all other cars are so small they can fit any where. Either squeeze your ass in or park somewhere else. This is also shitty if you are parked next to one of these beasts and you have to shimmy in to get into your car. I might have opened my door and hit your car. I’m not sorry.

6. Using the wave as an excuse to do anything

The other day some guy pulls out right in front of me and starts to creep across a 2 lane street. He just throws his hand up in the air like it is his free pass to be a jackass. Ridiculous. Just because you thank me doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want. People who give a limp wrist wave or just throw their hand in the air when I am doing something nice for them also fall under this category as do people who don’t wave at all. Its the sweaty palm baby squeeze handshake of the road and makes me never want to do anything for anyone again.

Whew, I got worked up just typing all that. I’m sure there are others that I will think of, if I do, I will make another post. If you have anything that irks you about driving, let me know in the comments.

KAZAAM! SHAQ IS A SUN

Sports analysts from coast to coast are booing the recent blockbuster trade between the Miami Heat and the Phoenix Suns. On the surface, this trade, which brings four-time NBA Champion Shaquille O’Neal to Phoenix in exchange for four-time all-star Shawn Marion, looks like a serious trading block blunder. General Manger of the Suns, former player Steve Kerr, had no comment for Greenroots Media. People are saying Shaq is too old and he will not be able to keep up with the fast-paced style of play that the Suns have made their trademark. Also, Shawn Marion is a really good player. All that being said, here is the real deal:

7 Reasons Shaq for Shawn is Good for the Phoenix Suns

1.The Sun’s have needed a quality big man since they joined the NBA.

2.Shawn Marion is unhappy.

3. Shawn Marion is killing team chemistry.

4.Shawn Marion is a free agent next year. He would have been gone anyway.

5.Shaq can rest until the playoffs. The Suns don’t need him to get in. Everybody knows Shaq doesn’t play in the regular season anyways.

6. Amare can move back to his natural postiion, power forward.

7.The Suns haven’t won anything in nine years with Marion. Shaq Daddy needs a ring for his thumb. STEVE KERR IS A BASKETBALL GURU. KAZAAM!!!

In the spirit of the election, I thought I would make a list of five reasons not to vote.

1. Everyone else isn’t doing it.
2. Rich and powerful people will do it for you.
3. In a two party system, does it really matter who wins?
4. Contrary to popular belief, one person cannot make a difference.
5. You’re lazy