Inspired by the great film editor Walter Murch, and his book In the Blink of an Eye, I decided to take a deep dive into understanding one powerful filmmaking technique: seamless transitions. I started by studying the impressive work of professional directors and editors and then applied the information I learned in practice to ultimately boil the technique down to its essence and understand how to make seamless transitions regularly in my own creative work. As film editing is my major and career path, the choice to present the culmination of my study in practice in the form of a video-essay felt natural and appropriate for this project.

This guide is meant to help student and independent filmmakers begin to think about the many details that a period film requires. Coupled with my own personal experience making a period film for my senior capstone, and with the research of several professional directors, production designers, and costume designers, this guide allows for filmmakers to prepare properly and minimize any mistakes they might make. It is a study of period film research, its implementation, and production insights.