Synopsis
Set against the searing stillness of rural Australia, Small Flowers follows a boy trying to revel in a day of solitude, only to be interrupted by another boy who won't go away.
Techniques and Skills
I utilised a diverse range of skills and techniques to effectively achieve the precise look and feel that the Director envisioned:
Attention to detail
Organisational skills
Collaboration and communication
Pacing control
Adobe Premiere Pro proficiency
Continuity editing
File management
Video Editing
In collaboration with the Director and Cinematographer, I edited this 10-minute short film at a slower pace. The film emphasised drawn-out moments, natural shakiness and vast beautiful landscapes, presenting that natural Aussie feel. This led to fewer cuts overall. The editing approach required subtle transitions between environmental shots and close-ups to allow the audience to take in the scenery as the characters did, showcasing KID and BOY’s direction and their interaction with the world.
This short film was highly detail-oriented, utilising subtle movements to show key props and characters’ emotions with special attention to the close-ups that revealed micro-expressions.
I didn’t use any VFX and special transitions, as the film focused purely on storytelling and fine detail. One of the most important factors I gave particular attention to was ensuring continuity and reinforcing the narrative flow in between cuts.
The edit kept a consistent pace that we are first introduced to in the establishing scene. I implemented L cuts, J cuts, and well-placed cutaways to maintain a rhythm that invites the viewer to immerse themselves in the quiet, contemplative atmosphere of the film’s world. This style was supported with the sound design and music that provided a sense of movement and immersion to maintain pacing.
Post-Production Workflow
Post Production Process
The following process ensured I worked efficiently and provided quick changes as per the Director’s advice:
Syncing all footage
Selecting best shots based off continuity sheet
Setting shots in order of scenes
Fixing general exposure and adding temporary LUT (provided by Colour Grader)
Meeting with Director - changes to edit
Picture lock
Provide Colour Grader with XML File / Shots
Provide Sound Engineer with AAF
Receive finalised music / grade and combine into final edit
Syncing
Basic Edit
Picture Lock / Credits
CONTINUITY
Description of Role
Whilst working on Small Flowers, I was fortunate to be able to take on the role of ‘Script Supervisor’, enabling me to stay directly informed about each take, which greatly assisted me when editing.
I displayed a range of skills including:
Attention to detail (props such as sticks / costume)
Performance timing
Technical knowledge (writing down notes on camera settings, shot type and gear used)
Communication and shot planning with both Director and Cinematographer
Video editing awareness (understanding how the shots will be cut together)
Section taken from Continuity Excel Spreadsheet:
written and directed by Milla Kime
cinematography by Nia Chen
sound design by Julian Tee
assistant direction/ creative supervision by Tullulah Simpson
edit by Jonathan Booy
music by Dominic Moore