This is a series of essays which I began in order to articulate and address certain mysteries and confusions around film editing. In particular, I was interested in exploring the specific activities and skills which define the craft, its technological aspects, and the creative and social work of conceiving and forming films as experiences. These interests led me to re-examine the history of film.

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.