Editing Techniques

Analyzing a feature on NHL player Alex Ovechkin on ESPN, there were plenty of noteworthy editing techniques to discuss. Interspersed between snippets of game footage are clips of Ovechkin and his teammates and coaches being interviewed by reporter Rachel Nichols. In some of these shots, the camera only captures the side of the subject's face while in others, the camera is shooting the front of the face. These clips are short so the differing styles of shooting the subjects does not come off as awkward or forced.

Natural sound is used in multiple instances. One example is the background noise and the echo of the ice rink as pucks ricochet off the boards/glass as Ovechkin stands on his skates alongside Nichols. Perhaps the best example of nat sound is the revving of Ovechkin's Mercedes engine as Nichols profiles his penchant for speeding over 100 MPH on the Washington D.C. beltway.

Another aspect of this feature that makes it a good example of solid editing are the many differing clips of game action juxtaposed with Ovechkin's personality off the ice. What makes it all come together is perfect sequencing. Never did I feel lost or confused while watching this. Instead, I was glued to the set as the shots kept coming.

Here's the second, more action-packed part of the interview via youtube