ABOUT John Neal Crossman
Who I am
I love to edit. I love to tell stories and teach and touch people through the visual medium of television. I have worked in broadcasting and the post production world. I have not edited movies, but I have heard enough movie editors speak to know that we share the same passion and love for what we do. I also believe that all successful editors approach their craft the same way, or at least in a similar way.
I came up in the business at a time when the idea editing with computers was fairly new and had just been made affordable enough for local broadcasters to switch from film to ¾” videotape. I started editing while waiting to be a rock/pop star, and of course once I started editing I received the same feedback editing successful stories, special and features that I got performing music. The cool thing was I got paid to do this! I got hooked and have devoted countless thousands of hours to this craft since then.
Why I do this
I have been editing television programs, or what is now commonly referred to as “video” since 1979, or 36 years. That’s a lot of editing. When I started, it was a whole different set of standards and technology than it’s now, so this book will not be about any of the technology associated with what I do – aside from a mention here or there for clarification – rather this book will be about how I started washing cars in the news department of a local TV station and became one of the premier editors in my area. To me editing has never been about the technology, although I use it all day long. Editing is about storytelling, about communicating with the viewer of the video, whether that’s important news about the weather or the economy, or whether it’s to entertain and amuse… at the end of the day, the purpose it to communicate – and to do it well.
What I can do for you
My goal is teach you the ins and outs of editing [that is a pun], but I'd like to do more. I have had many good coaches in my life and I would like to also share my outlook, perspective and attitude that has given me a very successful editing career. I will supply editing information and some tips as tricks as well as the philosophy behind my editing decisions.
Sign up for "Editing Life" newsletter
I have been working on a book for years about editing. This newlsetter would basically be that effort delivered in a monthly edition and it will contain more information that these blog posts. Following is an expected outline, with the chance that it will change in detail and delivery order. Feel free to also asked questions usingg the contact form to the right. I will try and answer any question you might have.
Introduction:
Who, why this blog
Why Are You Here?
A Philosophy for Life
Attitude is everything and other useful cliché’s
Life is a series of patterns
Storytelling – Beginning, Middle, end
Seasons, life
Life has a rhythm
Using Music – the magic key to communication
Speaking patterns
Patterns in nature’s sounds
Patterns of success
Passion for what you do
Why service is the key to success
Who do you serve?
Customers – who are they?
About the Media Business
The concept of free content and the real cost
Understanding what you bring to the communication
Common “opportunities”
A great place to start
This newsletter will start soon.
