Retention editing: cut when the information changes

The useful principle

Fast editing is not automatically engaging. A shot should stay long enough for its evidence to land, then end when the viewer has understood it or when the next beat changes the question. Cutting earlier hides proof; cutting later spends attention without adding value.

Review the edit by naming what changes in each shot. If several consecutive shots communicate the same thing, compress them. If an important claim appears without enough visual time to verify it, let that moment breathe.

Try it in three steps

1. Label the new information in every shot.
2. Remove repeated beats that add no proof.
3. Give consequential results enough time to register.