57888 Avid: Editing with Media Composer

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Description

This subject provides students with expertise in Avid Media Composer's tools and workflows, and the opportunity to sit an associated Avid exam to gain industry certification as an Avid certified user for Media Composer. Through a combination of theory and practical application, students are equipped with the technical, organisational and creative skills necessary to master essential editing principles and techniques. With hands-on exercises, students gain proficiency in media organisation, project management, video cutting, audio manipulation, integrating visual effects, and exporting files. Students develop skills to create compelling narratives, engaging media projects and explore approaches to storytelling and experimentation.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:

• Analyse, develop or produce creative media projects within a framework of specialised practice-oriented knowledge and skills. (1.1)
• Demonstrate high-level abilities and self-awareness as an oral, written and audio-visual communicator. (6.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

Students engage in a variety of lab-based learning activities throughout the subject to develop proficiency in using Avid Media Composer. Prior to face-to-face seminars, students prepare by reviewing assigned readings and learning materials on Canvas. During class sessions, students apply editing principles by completing practical exercises. Seminars provide an opportunity for students to examine and explore how rhythm, visual composition, use of sound, transitions, and pacing contribute to the overall impact of each scene. Students receive formative and summative feedback prior to the census date through the completion of practical activities in seminars, and by undertaking the first of three assessable online quizzes (in week 4). Hands-on use of Avid Media Composer in an Apple Mac based lab is integral to this subject. Students receive support and feedback from instructors, as they develop and apply their editing skills and demonstrate an understanding of course concepts, while working in industry derived scenarios.

Content (topics)

This subject explores fundamental editing principles like continuity, rhythm, juxtaposition and the relationship between image and sound. It offers practical training in Avid Media Composer for students to apply these concepts. Content includes foundational editing principles and technical knowledge, such as navigating the Avid Media Composer interface, project fundamentals including media input methods and project setup, working with bins, efficient use of editing tools and techniques, asset and sequence management, audio editing and mixing, effects and titles creation, working with keyframes, exporting and troubleshooting procedures.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Avid Quizzes

Assessment task 2: Editing Exercise (Drama or Documentary)

Assessment task 3: Editing Exercise (Creative Task)

Minimum requirements

Attendance at all teaching activities is essential in this subject. Teaching activities are based on a collaborative approach that involves essential workshopping and interchange of ideas with other students and the tutor to build capacities towards meeting the subject learning objectives. A roll will be taken at each activity (whether on campus or online). Students who have more than two absences from class will be refused marking of their final assessment (see Rule 3.8).

Generative AI may be permitted in specific assessment tasks. If so, it will be noted in your assessment brief and its use will need to be referenced. In this case refer to the UTS Library Guide on the use of Generative AI for instruction about how to reference correctly.

Required texts

AVID Media Composer Fundamentals I & II (supplied).

References

Required and recommended readings will be available via UTS Library and through the subject site.

Bordwell, D., & Thompson, K. (2019). Film Art: An Introduction (12th ed.). McGraw Hill.

Bowen, C. (2024). Grammar of the Edit (5th ed.). Routledge.

Bricca, J. (2023). Documentary Editing: Principles & Practice (2nd ed.). Routledge.

Dancyger, K. (2010). The Technique of Film and Video Editing (5th ed.). Focal Press.

Eisenstein, S., & Leyda, J. (1977). Film Form: Essays in Film Theory. Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich.

Eisenstein, S., & Leyda, J. (1986). The Film Sense. Faber and Faber.

Hoggan, M. (2022). Art and Craft of Motion Picture Editing (2nd ed.). Routledge.

Hullfish, S. (2017). Art of the Cut: Conversations with Film and TV Editors. Routledge.

Langford, B. (2013). Film Editing: The Art of the Expressive (2nd ed.). Longman.

McGrath, D. (2001). Editing & Post-Production. Focal Press.

Murch, W. (2001). In the Blink of an Eye: A Perspective on Film Editing. Silman-James Press.

Reisz, K., & Millar, G. (2010). Technique of Film Editing (2nd ed.). Focal Press.

Ondaatje, M., & Murch, W. (2002). The Conversations: Walter Murch and the Art of Editing Film. Vintage Canada.

Pearlman, K. (2016). Cutting Rhythms Intuitive Film Editing. Routledge.