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:

  1. Syncing all footage

  2. Selecting best shots based off continuity sheet

  3. Setting shots in order of scenes

  4. Fixing general exposure and adding temporary LUT (provided by Colour Grader)

  5. Meeting with Director - changes to edit

  6. Picture lock

    • Provide Colour Grader with XML File / Shots

    • Provide Sound Engineer with AAF

  7. 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