OpenTube

Editing Problems I See in Every Short Film

This Guy Edits

41,463 views

Build your film editing career: https://www.skool.com/the-go-to-edito... Got a short film or scene you'd like honest feedback on? Submit this form and I may feature it in a future episode: https://forms.gle/oNa25uWJjCrkxCmG6

Experienced Hollywood editor Sven Pape, ACE (aka *This Guy Edits*) who cut for James Cameron on Ghost of the Abyss, worked on the Emmy-winning series Hit Record with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and has given professional notes to directors like Adam Balo (Telemarketers) delivers raw, no-sugarcoating feedback on a short film by early-stage filmmakers.

In this in-depth editing critique, Sven breaks down pacing, shot selection, process-heavy scenes, dramatic tension, and audience engagement with real-time examples and practical tightening suggestions.

Perfect for directors, editors, screenwriters, and filmmakers looking to improve their storytelling rhythm and editing instincts.

Take my Editor Readiness Check: https://thisguyedits.com/ready

Short film title: Finders Fee: Finder's Fee Trevor Meyer and William Sharkey

Timestamps
00:00 - Why Most Early Filmmaker Cuts Feel “Off”
01:35 - First Look at the Short Film
03:48 - Major Pacing & Cutting Notes
08:23 - Trimming Process & Business Scenes
14:50 - Dialogue, Performance & Scene Flow Feedback
20:42 - Strongest Moments & Key Improvements
24:10 - Final Thoughts & Overall Assessment

Film editing feedback * Short film critique * Filmmaking advice * How to improve pacing * Editing tips for beginners * Professional editor reaction * This Guy Edits

20 Comments

@ThisGuyEdits Creator 4 months ago Pinned

Got a short film or scene you'd like honest feedback on? Submit this form and I may feature it in a future episode: https://forms.gle/oNa25uWJjCrkxCmG6

@trevormeyer1971 4 months ago

Thanks for the feedback! Humble pie is good, especially when it’s constructive.
Cheers

@JeffreyGalket-xy6ns 2 months ago

I’m of the belief that editing is a very personal thing, and each editor has their own unique style. I do agree with the majority of your decisions, though sometimes I think quick edits can be overdone as well.

@alexiushng 4 months ago

"Shorda is guda." Roger that.

@3dchick 4 months ago

Also, as an animator, knowing we don't need all the process shots is gold, because they are disproportionately so time consuming to make.

@j-did 4 months ago

I feel like the “just put the kettle on” dialogue should’ve stayed cause it’s like she is turning the tables on him!

@silverstarrier 1 month ago

OMG I love "Ghosts of the Aby--"

@Kerry. 4 months ago

Great feedback! Thank you for walking us through your thought process!!! Very fun!

@Nadia4Real 1 month ago

You were very generous, I would’ve cut a lot more. Absolutely agree that the audience doesn’t need to get hit on the head - repeatedly - with “the conflict”; less is MORE. New subscriber, thanks!

@FloridaFirewood1 3 months ago

I would try to cut just before he hits the doorbell, to make it look like he never hit it .The next shot where he raises his arm to walk away would have looked like he thought “forget this!”, but yet, she still knew he was there.

@raffasevz 4 months ago

Really impressive how much better you made this short film. Fantastic way for us to learn.

@cheryldroffner443 4 months ago

I loved that. I had similar feelings about many of the parts but don’t then have a clear view of how to fix it. So watching you take a stab at it was very instructive. Loved it. Now I wish I was part of a club where we could all try re editing a short and compare notes/edits after the fact. I’d Learn so much taking my own stab at it and seeing others trying it to.

@joshuasubayar1254 1 month ago

Love these break downs, sometimes I feel like I’m wasting shots I took so much time to shoot by cutting out continuity, but seeing this helped me recognize the value.

If you don’t mind me adding one thought—given the feel of this intro, id even say his frustration and contemplation would be well illustrated with jump cuts (I usually hate jump cuts but i could see it here haha)

@Dancing_Alone_wRentals 4 months ago

The Mr. Bean look back at the bench seemed like it belonged in a different film.
I think the actor did a great job....entry door scenes specifically.
Congratulations to all !

@rallyworld3417 2 months ago (edited)

2:09 exactly what i thought but you said it perfectly in your own words
2:13 we as audiance we get it faster then how story unfolds so true men ..i didn't know this phenomenon exists.. in relation to pacing and other visual story elements together which is used to make a cut .. this is very deep

@jaspertravelss 3 months ago

its actually insane that the bird came at that time, such an insanely low one in a million chance

@cezmikardas 4 months ago

It turned out to be a much better edit. :washhands:

@TheChatterboxSociety 1 month ago

Hi Sven, I'm listening and taking notes! 📝 🎉

@SylerHusky 4 months ago

Great feedback! I agreed with some of the things before you called them too. I am working on editing now, and it can be a challenge. When I watch these shorts, one big thing that gets me nuts is the background music. I would have removed all music when he entered the house, then after we see her enter the kitchen, slowly bring it up with different music, but not to overpower her delivering the line. Then, as he walks with the gun, we change the beat, make it scarier. I truly believe in soundtracks making the movie, without it hitting on point, it hurts the scenes.

@KateMadison 1 month ago (edited)

I'd even be tempted to try getting rid of the door bell press at all and she just opens the door as he's changing his mind. Edit: Though I think what you did works really well. Great insight and fun to watch you work and your thoughts.