Fortune 500 companies and even small independents typically ask me the same question first. “How do I improve my hosted web series?” The answer is cryptic, but simple. “Kill Your Babies”

Now before you round up the posse or look about for torches and pitchforks, what the sentiment is meant to convey is just this. “Kill your pet project or personal interests for the sake of the overall benefit of your program.” I know. Awkward catch phrase, but blame Scorsese.

Normally, the firstborn child which should be killed immediately is YOU! Your ego, self-interest, and ulterior agendas must be sacrificed if not aligned with the programs vision and goals. Let’s face it. Our very favorite topic is normally ourselves. The most painless beginning point for all of us narcissistic babies is the “Jump Cut.”

Essentially, jump cuts omits your verbal wanderings, mistakes, or misinformation in a quick and simple fashion. This is utilizes by several of today’s most prominent online personalities

Jump Cut Pros

• Easy: Simple to do, and can be modified even further with a few snazzy sound affects or layering.
• Efficient: It progresses your story with minimal effort. Adds an “effect” to your low/no budget production.
• Cover-Up: You don’t have to be a “One Take Wonder.” Just cut the crap out. No stress involved.
• Accepted: It has now become widely accepted means of storytelling. “Requiem for a Dream” is to be thanked.

Jump Cut Cons

• Overused: This technique has over flooded the online storytelling, and as a result we have gotten lazy.
• Magic Bullet Mentality: Jump Cuts is an aesthetic choice, NOT a plot point. It will not cover poor writing.
• Amateur: There are other more appealing and professional edits that can usually better communicate.

Quick Tutorial (Larry Jordan)

1. Open your editing program. Import your footage. Lay it out in your timeline.
2. Browse your footage for the break in your story. Remember to leave a few handle frames.
3. Cut the unwanted footage out. Reconnect your video stream, leaving no gap.
4. View your magic. You should now see the video “stutter” or “jump” without your blunder.

Success Story

Epic-Fu is the best.