Montage / Lesson 2 / Rhythmic Sequence

Lesson Overview

Eisenstein's montage theories are based on the idea that montage originates in the "collision" between different shots in an illustration of the idea of thesis and antithesis. His collisions of shots were based on conflicts of scale, volume, rhythm, motion (speed, as well as direction of movement within the frame), as well as more conceptual values such as class.

Rhythmic editing is when the relations between shots function to control visual pace and meaning. A shot's physical length corresponds to a measurable duration. Rhythmic function occurs when several shot lengths form a discernable pattern. For instance, equal length between cuts will create a steady metrical beat.

You’re creating rhythm almost immediately after you begin performing -- it’s inevitable once multiple elements appear on the screen. In this case, we’d like that rhythm to be a little more planned, instead of placing elements randomly. There are three primary types of rhythm you can plan for:

• Regular rhythm: Intervals between images are the same in duration (i.e., one second per image)
• Progressive rhythm: The duration of images are changed over a progression, getting faster towards the end (2 sec, 1 sec, ½ sec, and so on)
• Flowing (organic) rhythm: Occurs when the images or intervals are organic, used to create a feeling of visual polyphony. Think VJ’ing to wind chimes.

Lecture Videos

1. Rhythmic Sequence: History and basic concepts

(Rhythmic Sequence Lecture Video)

2. Rhythmic Sequence: Using VDMX

(Rhythmic Sequence Demonstration Video)

Lecture Notes

(Rhythmic Sequence Lecture Slides)

Reference Links

• Montage theory
• Sergei Eisenstein
• The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Final Shootout
• Election (first 45 seconds)
• Chaka Khan “Like Sugar”
• Talked About Scene: Episode 207: Better Call Saul: Inflatable

Resources

• Rhythmic Sequence VDMX Example
• Freesound.org
• YouTube Royalty Free Library Sample template for sequencing clips

Related Tutorials and Case Studies

• Using VDMX to create online profile pictures
• Using a Step Sequencer to trigger media clips
• Loops – Performance, Production, and Progression
• Automatic BPM Detection in VDMX

Homework

Assignments

1. Record and import three, 30-second clips using your preferred camera
2. Create three rhythmic sequences with corresponding audio tracks:

• Regular
• Progressive
• Flowing (Organic)

3. Record sequences that are 6-30 seconds in length

Notes:

• Recordings for these assignments can be in h.264.
• Use ProRes if you plan to use them for further editing in Final Cut Pro, Resolve, After Effects, etc.

Lesson Review & Further Reading

1. Sequencing content using Media Bins, Layer Controls, and Data Sources

• Linear and non-linear playback
• Cycles and Loops
• Linking Data Sources
• • Keyboard
• • Clock
• • Audio

2. Film editing techniques

• Continuity editing
• • Diegetic sound
• • Match on action
• • Cutting on action
• • Shot / reverse shot
• • The 30 degree rule
• • The 180 degree rule

3. Montage editing methods

• Attractions
• Metric
• Rhythmic
• Tonal
• Overtonal/Associational
• Intellectual
• Vertical (moving camera, audio/visual)

4. How do we measure time?

• SMPTE
• Clock time / musical time