Course Overview
All lifestyle, factual, reality or documentary television tells a story, even though there is no script. Story editing for these genres is an important and collaborative art between producers, directors, story editors and editors to create a cohesive, impactful story to each episode and series as a whole. Students will learn the job of the story editor in unscripted television and how they interact with other key creatives, how episodic unscripted television is produced and the post-production process and workflow. Analysis of episodic unscripted television series will focus on understanding the story threads, identifying the A, B and C story, characterization elements and story thread conclusions. Students will learn about the pieces they will have to draw on to build and advance story, including scene work, interviews, both sit-down and on the fly style, B-roll, and shot coverage and will have the opportunity to outline, storyboard and string-out an act of an episodic series. Students will learn to create story outlines, storyboards, and scene string-outs of footage to create entertaining and informative, well-paced scenes.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Define the role of story editor in unscripted television projects and where the role fits in the production process.
- Identify story threads through analysis of television episodes.
- Describe how episodic factual television goes from conception to delivery and the workflow of post.
- Articulate the story editor's role in rough cut, fine cut and lock cut.
- Explain the various elements at a story editor's disposal to create compelling episodes and be able to identify elements of pacing, tone, character development and story advancement.
- Conceptualize A stories, B stories and C stories from footage and episodic examples and express them through written outlines and discussion
- Stringout/Paper edit a scene from transcripts/footage examples provided
- Use basic editing skills both paper and software
- Build successful sequences and scenes.
- Articulate observations of basic formats and the role of the story editor within them through examples and case studies
- Trouble shoot story problems and solutions such as writing voice over/Narration to advance scenes where footage does not exist.
Effective as of Fall 2024
Related Programs
Intro to Story Editing for Factual / Unscripted Television (BCST 1710) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Business + Media
- Broadcast and Digital Journalism
Associate Certificate Part-time
- Radio Arts and Entertainment
Associate Certificate Part-time
- Video Production and Editing
Associate Certificate Part-time
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.