JJ Lask is a creative editor with PS260 (www.ps260.com), which has studios in both New York City and Venice, CA. His list of credits includes work for M&Ms, NY Lottery, Yahoo, American Greetings, and UPS to name just a few. Lask has been delivering his ‘5 Rules’ to Post readers for much of 2018 and continues with his latest installment of ideas that editors might consider for both practical purposes and inspiration.
Rule 31 - Less Is Less
Less is not more. Less is Less. For example, when you or someone says this section doesn’t need sound effects because the music will drive it. Don’t listen. Have the sound effects in your timeline. Be ready. Have your arsenal ready at all times. Less can be lazy.
Rule 32 - Contrast Is King
Always bump the contrast in the color correct. It just looks better. Even if the look is ultra flat. Increase the contrast a bump. It will also limit any contamination of greens. You’ll thank me.
Rule 33 - Dull Knives Are Dull Knives
Keep everything crisp. Have everything tight. I clean the screen and keyboard once a week. I clean my desk twice a day. Get rid of unused cables. Get a haircut. File those fingernails. Iron your pocket square, and if you don’t wear a pocket square, start.
Rule 34 - Black And White Always Works
Want to impress a client with your creative, out-of-the-box thinking? Turn your film from color to black and white. Let me know their reaction?
Rule 35 - Treat Yo’ Self
You work long and late. You eat like crap. You sit over 12 hours a day. You hardly sleep. If you smoke, you smoke way too much. If you drink, you drink way too much. If you eat, you eat way to much. Do something to get you through it. Personally, I reward myself with a cookie every time I watch a large section of footage. When working late, suggest to order sushi for dinner, really good sushi, especially if a client is paying.
Check out JJ's past postings: