In order to make sure that as wide an audience as possible would be open to watching Season 6 of The Crown, we needed both current fans and potential new fans to be caught up on what had happened in Seasons 1 to 5.

We were briefed to create a recap edit of all five seasons so far. With the task of distilling 2 days, 6 hours and 39 minutes worth of footage into one video that would hold the audience’s attention, we decided to keep the edit under 10 minutes, ensuring swift pacing. We had to include not only the best/iconic moments from each season but also enough narrative web to string together a coherent structure and arch.

The key objective for this piece of work was to remind fans of why they love The Crown, build excitement for Season 6, and celebrate the show as a whole.

As this edit was to span five seasons, we prioritised solidifying a seamless audio-bed, ensuring a steady pace and rhythm despite the complex ensemble piece. Each season is separated by individual music cues, ensuring every era is given an equal 1-2 minute duration and therefore the space to explore the key themes and conflicts. With each cue building to a crescendo, the viewer is able to recognise when one narrative arc ends and another begins, while also understanding each seasons’ climaxes and cliff-hangers.

To further convey the jumps in time periods, we utilised match-cuts between cast members of the same character. For instance, Emma Corrin and Elizabeth Debicki for young and old Diana, with the aim to minimise confusion.

With this piece being a chronological recap, we ensured the instrumental elements were in keeping with the show’s tone, developing from traditional piano and strings to a more modern synth soundscape.