In the ever-evolving domain of video editing, staying updated with the latest tools can be a gateway to enhanced creativity and efficiency. One such tool that has garnered attention is the DaVinci Resolve’s Boring Detector. This feature analyzes footage and alerts editors to sections that may be too long, repetitive, or uninteresting, allowing them to make necessary adjustments. Despite its usefulness, the Boring Detector sparked controversy when it was introduced in 2019. The name was widely criticized for being condescending and suggesting that editing is a menial task. Some editors also voiced skepticism about the effectiveness of the feature, questioning its ability to replace human judgment.
The backlash on social media was swift and vocal, with many professionals expressing their displeasure at the tone-deaf name and questioning the effectiveness of the tool. However, some industry experts took a more measured approach, recognizing the value in having software that can assist beginners in developing their skills. As one commentator noted, “I believe that the Boring Detector has the potential to help new editors understand pacing and shot length, which are crucial elements of effective video storytelling.“
Despite the initial controversy, the Boring Detector has proven utility as a learning tool for novices. In this article, we will dive into what the Boring Detector is, the controversy it sparked, its utility for beginners, and a step-by-step guide on how to use it.
The Arrival and the Backlash
The announcement of the Boring Detector in 2019 was met with mixed reactions from the editing community. Some seasoned editors found the name amusing but at the same time, felt it undermined the art of video editing. They believed that the feature suggested that video editing is nothing more than a menial task, which can be automated by a software algorithm. A tweet from popular editor Vashi Nedomansky showcased a humorous take on the Boring Detector’s supposed ineffectiveness. Nedomansky mentions that according to the Boring Detector in DaVinci Resolve 16, all six films by Billy Wilder, who abided by the filmmaking rule “Don’t be boring,” would be considered 100% boring due to their average shot length of over 10 seconds.
The criticism mainly stemmed from the notion that an editing tool could critique an editor’s choice of shot length – a domain inherently subjective and artistic. In response to the criticism, Blackmagic Design, the makers of DaVinci Resolve, released a statement clarifying that the Boring Detector was not meant to replace an editor’s discretion but to assist beginners in understanding pacing and shot length.
Despite the initial backlash, industry experts recognized the value of having a tool that can assist beginners in developing their skills. One commentator noted how the Boring Detector has the potential to help new editors understand pacing and shot length – crucial elements of effective video storytelling. As such, the Boring Detector serves as a guideline and should not be used as an absolute authority on how to edit your footage.
It is important to note that the Boring Detector is not a tool for cutting corners or shortening editing timelines. Instead, it provides a useful training tool that can help beginners understand pacing and shot length. With its ability to highlight potentially uninteresting footage, the Boring Detector helps editors identify areas of their projects that may need improvement.
The Utility Unveiled
Despite the initial skepticism, the true essence of the Boring Detector is to assist, not to dictate. Especially for those new to DaVinci Resolve or video editing, this feature serves as a guide to better understand pacing and shot lengths. It’s like having a mentor over your shoulder, giving you pointers on where your clip might be dragging or rushing.
Step by Step: Harnessing the Boring Detector
To find this interesting tool, while using DaVinci 16 or greater, head to the Cut Page in DaVinci Resolve, and you’ll find the Boring Detector button just beneath the media pool.
Once you click this, you’ll be greeted by the Boring Detector Settings Menu. This is where you can adjust the settings that you want to use with this tool.
- To find edits longer than [user defined] seconds (default: 45 seconds or more).
- To find edits shorter than [user defined] frames (default: 5 frames or less).
The brilliance lies in its simplicity. You set the parameters, and the Boring Detector does the rest.
As you navigate back to your timeline, the Boring Detector highlights the areas of concern—gray for segments deemed too long, and red for the jump cuts.
As soon as we clicked on “Analyze Timeline Edits,” a large percentage of the cuts inside the timeline turned light gray. Any areas not being matched by the tool remain black, while the cutoff point for potentially boring footage is indicated by a red bar. The Analyze tool only recognizes identical sections of a clip, which can be achieved by either trimming a few seconds off from the same clip or inserting a completely different clip before it.
To create a real cut between clips that are five frames or less, select the desired cut and use the “Split Clips” tool. The result will be indicated in red on the timeline, making it more noticeable than the potentially boring clips. Jump cuts this short could be problematic since they’re quite noticeable and distracting.
While working on our project, turning on the Analyze tool allows us to easily identify potential problem areas by scrubbing through the timeline.
Scrubbing through the timeline with the Analyze tool turned on allows for easy identification of problem areas, particularly when using the fast review button. If a boring clip or jump cut is detected, simply pause and make the necessary changes. The Analyze button itself is relatively pointless, as it’s easier to toggle the feature on and off as needed. Once custom times for boring clips and jump cuts are set, the dialog can be closed.
The Boring Detector tool is most useful in larger projects with numerous video cuts, where it’s possible to miss one that goes on for too long or is too short. This concludes our discussion of the Boring Detector tool inside the clip tab of DaVinci Resolve 16. Thank you for watching; we hope this video was helpful.
A Newbie’s Companion
The Boring Detector isn’t about replacing the editor’s intuition but about nurturing it. For beginners, understanding the rhythm of a video can be a steep learning curve. This feature, albeit with a humorous title, is a step towards making that curve a tad bit gentler. It’s akin to a formatting assistant, providing on-the-fly feedback, and helping you grasp the basics of good editing practices.
Concluding Thoughts
DaVinci Resolve’s Boring Detector, despite its initial controversial reception, stands as a useful tool for the budding editor. It’s not about agreeing with the feedback it provides, but understanding why a certain part of your video was flagged, learning, and improving from there.
As you embark on your editing journey, having a reservoir of resources is crucial. Envato Elements offers a vast array of professional-grade digital content that can elevate your projects. With just a click, gain access to millions of digital assets that can aid in transforming your raw footage into a storytelling marvel.
The narrative surrounding the Boring Detector is a testament to the continuous dialogue between technology and the creative realm. While tools like these can provide invaluable insights, the essence of editing still revolves around the human touch, intuition, and storytelling prowess that software can merely assist, not replace.