Finding shortcuts is a huge part of being an indie filmmaker, because, frankly, we just don't have enough time, money, or resources. One way to make the most out of all of these things during production is to "shoot for the edit," which is a filming technique that anticipates the edits that will need to be made in post. Shooting for the edit will cut down on the time you have to sit in an editing bay (or on your couch with your laptop -- whatever), and will basically make your life a whole lot easier.

Chris Lavigne of Wistia shares some excellent tips on how to shoot for the edit in the video below:

If you've made a lot of videos as a one-man/woman show -- writing, shooting, and editing everything by yourself -- then you've probably gotten really used to shooting for the edit, because you probably have a good idea of which takes worked, which ones didn't, as well as how you're going to put it all together editing. However, one piece of advice that I vehemently agree with that I've seen tons of first-time filmmakers (including myself) kick themselves over is to shoot tons of b-roll. Tons. Like, right at the moment when you say, "Oh man, that took forever, but it finally feels like I've shot enough b-roll," understand that you have not yet shot enough b-roll. Shoot more. You won't regret it.

Source: Wistia

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Cinematography & CamerasEditing & Post-Production