Slow songs and how to handle them

[AthenAltena]

I've been playing with an idea for some time that I believe would work out well, but I'm worried about the fact that the song I plan on using is rather slow and repetetive. The two options I've thought of so far are physically cutting out some repetetive parts or editing in such a way that it matches the music but doesn't resort to too much lip flapping and still space. One way I've thought of getting around this is the fact that the anime I'm using is Air and many scenes of nature can be used to augment the video. However, I'm still worried I may end up not being able to keep up with it.

So what is the best way to edit to slow music? I know there is a way to do it, but haven't figured it out quite yet.

[jubjub2]

Slower songs can be handled in a couple of ways (or a combination of them):'

Storyline. If you can keep a cohesive story going in the video, then the repetetiveness of the music can fade into the background as the viewer is more interested in what you are trying to show.

Logical Sync. Sync to the melody line rather than the beat. This sometimes can help the flow of the video. (beware those that love the beat sync, for they might not see it... I was in orchestra and different bands, so I tend to enjoy this kind of sync more.)

Beat sync - if your song is repetetive, then this will accentuate that. But if you are focusing more on scene changes with the beat, that might not be a bad path to take. Don't fall into the trap of using the same effect or scene type when synching to a particular beat phrase, though. That can really take away from the flow of the video.

These are things I notice when I watch slower, more sentimental videos. A lot is just personal preference, but I hope it helps!

[Hinano]

I've been cutting songs as well for things like these so if you're thinking of cutting try to do it well (i.e. so that you don't really hear the "break" in the song.) It's a lot easier to put a lot of good stuff into a short vid, then to put in whatevers lying around just to fill in all the minutes ^^

[Tash]

Remember you can do the complete opposite of a scenes expected pace, may look cool for some sequences.

Sometimes in slower videos I like to transition (hard or crossfade) with a similar theme in mind.

Examples:
Characters going into shadows-->out of shadows
Get scenes with zooms or create your own, and intensify the rate or keep it steady, whatever works.

It looks nice when changing scenes have some aspect in common, like
color
light intensity
motion
facial expressions

It all helps flow
______

I Personally hate when slower videos have cheesy syncs with smiles and kissing. Sometimes it looks good when you arn't expecting it, but some people build it up for 10 seconds.
Everything really depends, but I love when I get a surprise that is off a bit. Just remember not to lose flow for interesting moments.

[AthenAltena]

Thanks to everyone that responded! That helped me cement my idea more clearly in my head and figure out what I should do in certain parts. Thanks again.