Storytelling Sessions: The Mighty Cut

Mascha Deikova

Storytelling Sessions: The Mighty Cut

Mascha Deikova
1h 8m
7 modules (view curriculum)

$29/month
When billed annually.

  • Total Time:

    1h 8m

Description

Editing is the true grammar of cinema. In this edition of the Storytelling Sessions, filmmaker and MZed educator Mascha Deikova explores how the cut does far more than stitch scenes together - it actively shapes audience perception, transmits emotion, and drives the narrative forward. Moving from the foundational theories of Kuleshov and Eisenstein to examples from contemporary films and series, we analyze how our brains instinctively look for meaning between images and why sometimes the best choice is not to cut at all. At the end of this webinar recording, you will be equipped with practical techniques to determine why, where, and what to cut. Whether you want your edits to be seamlessly invisible or boldly stylistic, you will discover how to harness the true narrative power of the edit suite to “play your audience like a piano.”

All film excerpts shown in this webinar are used solely for educational and analytical purposes. Spoiler alert: Some examples in this webinar reference important scenes and story developments from selected films.


Subtitles available: English

Modules

Introduction

03m

Welcome to another edition of the Storytelling Sessions! In this introductory module, filmmaker and MZed educator Mascha Deikova opens the floor to a live audience and sets the stage for our format. We also introduce our focus for the session — "A Mighty Cut, and How it Drives the Story." No, it’s not about technical NLE workflows or flashy TikTok tricks; in this webinar, we lay the groundwork for exploring the true narrative power of editing.


Subtitles available: English

The Language of the Cut

07m

To master the edit, we must first understand how it shapes human psychology. In this module, we trace the origins of film grammar back to early cinema innovators like Lev Kuleshov and Sergei Eisenstein. By breaking down the famous Kuleshov effect and Eisenstein’s "Intellectual Montage," we explore how meaning is born between shots rather than inside them. You will discover how the brain automatically fills the gaps of a cut - and how you can use this to manipulate audience perception.


Subtitles available: English

Long Takes

09m

Before we master the cut, we must understand the power of choosing not to cut at all. This lesson dives into the immersive world of long takes and "one-shot" filmmaking - from seamlessly hidden edits to real-time technical marvels like Netflix's “Adolescence.” By analyzing reactions to one of the scenes, we explore the unique psychology of the continuous take. Why is it so impactful? Let's find out!


Subtitles available: English

The Psychology of Fast Cutting

04m

Now, we explore the exact opposite approach - what happens when a scene is driven by an intense flurry of edits? By dissecting the iconic shower scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” we look at how 52 cuts in a matter of seconds create a masterclass in psychological terror. You will see how editing can trick the human brain, proving that what you don't show can be far more terrifying than what you do.


Subtitles available: English

Invisible vs. Stylistic Cuts

14m

How do we choose between an edit that hides itself and one that demands to be seen? In this module, we divide the world of editing into two major philosophies: continuity editing and non-continuity editing. First, we unpack the rules of "invisible" editing that maintain seamless time and space to keep the audience immersed. Then, we examine "loud," stylistic choices like match cuts and jump cuts.


Subtitles available: English

Practical Tips for Editors

12m

In this hands-on module, we dive into actionable techniques that elevate your storytelling. For that, we break down the crucial checklist every filmmaker needs before making a cut. You will discover Murch’s fascinating "Blink Theory" for finding the perfect natural cut point, learn why reaction shots in shows like “The Bear” are often more powerful than the dialogue itself, and analyze how to master the art of rhythmic contrast.


Subtitles available: English

Q&A and Quiz

16m

We wrap up the session by opening the floor to our live audience for an interactive Q&A, tackling your burning questions about the editing process. Afterward, Mascha puts your new knowledge to the test with a quick film trivia quiz. From identifying famous match cuts in cinema history to uncovering a surprising on-camera trick, this fun wrap-up lets you see just how much film grammar you have absorbed.


Subtitles available: English

About the Educator

Mascha Deikova

Director, Author

5 Courses

Mascha Deikova is a filmmaker based in Austria and co-owner of the video production company Holy Moly films. She works on commercials, music videos, corporate films, and documentaries. Mascha’s passion lies in exploring cinematic and narrative techniques for storytelling, as well as emerging AI tools for streamlining mundane tasks. She regularly writes about these topics for CineD.com.

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