How to Judge Film Editing, Sound Editing and Production Design

The following clips were made for the 2010 Academy Awards. Click on the links and watch the videos. Answer the questions on your hand-out for each one. (Note: each video is preceded by a short advertisement).

How to Judge the Best Editing Oscar (7:05) Bonnie Koehler
What decisions did the film editors make for these nominated films?

1. The Hurt Locker 
2. Avatar 
3. District Nine
4. Precious
5. Inglourious Basterds

How to Judge the Best Sound Editing Oscar (5:25) What is sound design?
Explain the challenges and innovations for each of these films:

1. Avatar: What was the big challenge for this film? What is sound design?
2. The Hurt Locker: Describe two interesting characteristics of sound in this film.  
3. Inglourious Basterds: Explain why the sound is "more accessible."
4. Star Trek: What are the characteristics of this sound recording
5. Up: How are animated films different from other films and in what way do they provide a kind of release for the sound editing team?

How to Judge the Best Art Direction (6:08)  Jim Bissell: Production Design
Bissell outlines these three important elements in selecting the award for best production designer

1. designer who consistently produces excellent work eventually get an acknowledgment
2. historical, science fiction, fantasy films and musicals all highlight the designer's roles  
3. it helps to have spectacular work from the other crafts: great costumes, feature designs and visual effects.

What are some of the characteristics mentioned for these films?

1. Nine
2. Doctor Parnassus
3. Sherlock Holmes
4. The Young Victoria
5. Avatar