Film Editing 101


Explore the multifaceted role of the film editor and how to support the narrative in post-production.

In this four-week course, you'll engage in hands-on projects, including storyboarding and complex sequence design, to develop your skills in editing. The course covers the evolution of editing from early cinema to modern practices, emphasizing timeless techniques applicable across various editing software.

The course delves into different editing styles, such as classical Hollywood and experimental techniques, and highlights the contributions of iconic editors like Thelma Schoonmaker and Walter Murch. By analyzing and re-editing scenes, you'll learn to manipulate pacing, rhythm, and emotional impact. You'll also gain a strong understanding of how editing techniques vary across action, horror, comedy, and drama, enhancing your ability to tailor your editing style to different narrative contexts.

You'll practice editing for various media formats, from film and television to web content, and explore how editing techniques adapt to new media platforms. The final project, involving the creation of a short video for social media platforms, will showcase your ability to apply editing techniques in real-world scenarios.

What you will learn:

✔ Apply various editing techniques, including shot selection, continuity, and special effects
✔ Analyze different editing styles and the contributions of notable film editors
✔ Adapt editing techniques for various narrative contexts, media formats, and emerging technological trends
✔ Create a video that showcases your understanding of pacing, rhythm, and narrative

Prerequisite skills:

Next Session

Jan. 12 - Feb. 8, 2026

Teen and adult sections

VIEW ALL DATES

Tuition

$299

Rates increases Jan. 1

Ages

Teens: Grades 6-12

Adult Learners: 18+

Expert guidance
Receive direct, personalized feedback from a professional artist.
Learn on your own schedule
Explore meaningful instruction in about five hours a week, over four weeks.
Collaborate
Work with your instructor and peers through messaging or optional real-time weekly classes.
Real growth
Develop artistic skills and projects that are important to you in 30 days.
  • Computer or mobile device with Internet and camera. Internet speed must be at least 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload. For students using a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile app and select “Interlochen Online” as your school.
  • Film editing software. You can use a basic tool such as CapCut or more advanced programs like Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro.

No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).

Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.

Interlochen Online certificateThis is one of three courses needed to complete the Filmmaking certificate program.

Our online arts certificate programs are perfect for...

Adults looking to boost their creative résumé and LinkedIn profile

Teens who want to earn high school credit for their passion 

Upon completion of the program, you will receive a physical certificate and a shareable digital certificate. Certificates for students under 18 are accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS); high school-age students will also receive an official transcript to share with their current school for consideration for high school credit.

Interlochen Online's Learning Experience

World-class. Inspiring. Flexible.

Meet the Faculty

Drew McClellan

Drew McClellan

Instructor of Film

Darren Dalton

Darren Dalton

Instructor of Film

Questions? Speak with an Advisor.

Email: online@interlochen.org 

Phone: 231.276.5990 

You can also schedule an appointment.

Start Your Next Production with Confidence

Get access to Common (and Avoidable) Pre-Production Mistakes, an exclusive guide developed by Interlochen Online faculty.

Man holding a camera and filming