Re: my longform workflow

I take both approaches - depending on my intent. If my intent is to "find" the authentic story, as in a documentary, I tend to go with Grinner's approach. Actually, even with that type of show, I won't always put it all on the timeline. If I watched the footage as I was capturing, sometimes I'll edit a first cut in the bin then throw it on the timeline.

On the other hand, ff I have a specific message and feelings that I need to push to the viewers (per client request), I use Mark's route to get there. Since music is a powerful motivator, that's the time I can start with a piece of music that evokes a certain feeling and build soundbites and visuals around it.

Does that make the first approach more ethical? ;-)

I spent my first few years in broadcast TV editing graphics-heavy 30-second spots. I remember working through the night on several projects, only to re-render the next morning - after the client decided to change a price or feature a different product altogether. It was only after I learned to "make the cake" before I put on the "icing" that I got comfortable projecting how long edit sessions should really take.