Lip Sync and Performance Cut

I selected all the Lip Sync shots of August. They are organised in two different sets: the set of the Pipes, in which we have Wide shots, Mid, Mid Close and 4K Close-Ups (in Static and Tracking movements to show the different pipes, which, with their symmetry, mirror Wes Anderson's aesthetic), and the set of the Bedroom, where August delivered a performance under the bed sheets with a torch and a book. 

Using the numbers shown in the iPad program and in the track, that we cut and dragged into the timeline, I synced all the shots with the song, getting rid of the audio tracks from the shoot. I did it in a very organised way, one by one and grouping them in terms of mise-en-scene and movement. From the beginning, I realised that some shots, as they had been filmed in 4K, where zoomed in and we would have to adjust them to the frame in the future. For instance, in the Torch Lip Sync, August's forehead is cropped so we will have to adjust the shot so he is in the middle. 

It really helped to have all the Lip Sync footage in the timeline, and I began getting rid of some shots in a duplicate. Throughout the process, I discussed with Petr the changes and showed him my final performance cut, getting positive feedback overall. The continuity was essential, so all the shots were grouped together accordingly i.e. I did not cut from one Wide to another because it would create a jumpy effect. Also, August moves his hands a lot as a performer, so I had to make sure that he did not make two completely different gestures in the transitions. His head had to be tilted to the same side too.

I tried to think about the flow of the music as well and cut to the beat. The rhythm of "Great Dane" is quite gentle, which meant that the cuts had to be fairly separated not to interfere with the slow track.

Overall, the performance cut was already quite interesting due to the variety the performer provides, as he has a very distinctive identity. However, even with our astonishing variety of shots there were some bits that looked mediocre, in between lyrics or in the beginning while waiting for the words to begin. That is why the narrative part is so important: apart from giving a purpose and meaning to the video, they cover up some parts that we doubt will be effective and complete the whole picture.