The pacing, music, color grading, and even the order of shots can alter how a viewer interprets a scene. A fast cut can create anxiety or excitement; a slow, lingering shot can make someone stop and think. A piece of dialogue moved two seconds earlier can change a character’s motivation. Even silence, especially silence, can be one of the most powerful editing tools in storytelling.
Editing also shapes emotion. Music tells the audience how to feel, while timing tells them when. Lighting and tone give visual cues that reinforce what words sometimes can’t. Every frame is a decision, and every decision carries meaning.
When I fixed the music in that act and replaced it with a more somber, reflective tone, everything changed. The message landed the way it was meant to. It reminded me that storytelling isn’t just about what you show, it’s about how you show it.
Editing is where a story truly comes to life. It’s the invisible art behind emotion, rhythm, and impact. And sometimes, as I learned the hard way, one song can turn a serious warning into a feel-good montage.
Starting Narratives 
Leave a comment