This is a series of essays which I began in order to articulate and address misunderstandings about film editing. In particular, I was interested in exploring the many specific activities and associated skills which define the craft, including the technological aspects of handling media and the creative and social work of conceiving and forming films as experiences. 

These interests led me to re-examine the history of film. The mysterious and neglected character of editing throughout this history continues to fuel some habits of thought about editing.

My hope is to contribute some range and precision to the language we use to talk about structuring and editing fiction and non-fiction films. Language can sensitize us to practice and in turn help define our creative approaches.