Syllabus Covered of Professional video editing
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What is Video Editing?
Video editing is the process of manipulating and rearranging video shots to create a new work. Editing is usually considered to be one part of the post production process — other post-production tasks include titling, color correction, sound mixing, etc.
Many people use the term editing to describe all their post-production work, especially in non-professional situations. Whether or not you choose to be picky about terminology is up to you. In this tutorial we are reasonably liberal with our terminology and we use the word editing to mean any of the following:
- Rearranging, adding and/or removing sections of video clips and/or audio clips.
- Applying color correction, filters and other enhancements.
- Creating transitions between clips.
The Goals of Editing
There are many reasons to edit a video and your editing approach will depend on the desired outcome. Before you begin you must clearly define your editing goals, which could include any of the following:
Remove unwanted footage
This is the simplest and most common task in editing. Many videos can be dramatically improved by simply getting rid of the flawed or unwanted bits.
Choose the best footage
It is common to shoot far more footage than you actually need and choose only the best material for the final edit. Often you will shoot several versions (takes) of a shot and choose the best one when editing.
Create a flow
Most videos serve a purpose such as telling a story or providing information. Editing is a crucial step in making sure the video flows in a way which achieves this goal.
Add effects, graphics, music, etc
This is often the “wow” part of editing. You can improve most videos (and have a lot of fun) by adding extra elements.
Alter the style, pace or mood of the video
A good editor will be able to create subtle mood prompts in a video. Techniques such as mood music and visual effects can influence how the audience will react.
Professional video editing is crucial for any aspiring filmmaker.
Give the video a particular “angle”
Video can be tailored to support a particular viewpoint, impart a message or serve an agenda.
Different Types of Video Editing
There are several different ways to edit video and each method has its pros and cons. Although most editors opt for digital non-linear editing for most projects, it makes sense to have an understanding of how each method works.
This page provides a very brief overview of each method — we will cover them in more detail in other tutorials.
Film Splicing
Technically this isn’t video editing, it’s film editing. But it is worth a mention as it was the first way to edit moving pictures and conceptually it forms the basis of all video editing.
Understanding the basics of professional video editing is important for beginners.
Traditionally, film is edited by cutting sections of the film and rearranging or discarding them. The process is very straightforward and mechanical. In theory a film could be edited with a pair of scissors and some splicing tape, although in reality a splicing machine is the only practical solution. A splicing machine allows film footage to be lined up and held in place while it is cut or spliced together.
Many professionals rely on professional video editing software to refine their work.
Tape to Tape (Linear)
Linear editing was the original method of editing electronic video tapes, before editing computers became available in the 1990s. Although it is no longer the preferred option, it is still used in some situations.
In linear editing, video is selectively copied from one tape to another. It requires at least two video machines connected together — one acts as the source and the other is the recorder. The basic procedure is quite simple:
Press play on the source machine and record on the recorder.
Professional video editing allows for a polished final product.
To achieve quality results, professional video editing is essential.
Place the video to be edited in the source machine and a blank tape in the recorder.
Employing professional video editing can elevate your project.
Video Editing Terminology
This page provides a few simple video terms to get you started. For more editing terminology, see our glossary or search this site.
With professional video editing, the final narrative is compelling.
Professional video editing techniques can vary depending on the genre.
Through professional video editing techniques, you can enhance your storytelling.
Capture Device: A hardware or firmware device used to convert analogue video into digital video.
Compressors & Codecs: Software or firmware used to compress and decompress digital video. Compression makes the file size smaller.
Editing: The process of rearranging, adding and/or removing sections of video clips. Also, creating transitions between clips. Editing is part of post-production.
Encoding: The process of converting digital video into a particular format, for example, saving a video project in MGEG-2 format for DVD distribution.
Through experience, you’ll learn the nuances of professional video editing.
Every editor benefits from understanding professional video editing techniques.
Layering: Adding multiple layers of superimposed video.
Linear Editing: Also known as tape to tape editing. A method of editing in which footage is copied from one tape to another in the required order (more info).
Learning professional video editing is an investment in your craft.
Non Linear Editing: An editing method which uses computer software to edit the footage (more info).
Transition: The way one shot changes to the next (more info).
Post Production: Everything that happens to the video and audio after production, i.e. after the footage has been shot. Post production includes video editing, audio editing, titling, color correction, effects, etc.
Many courses offer insights into professional video editing practices.
Mastering professional video editing can greatly enhance your portfolio.
Professional video editing is an art form that shapes viewer experience.
Incorporating professional video editing skills will make your content stand out.
Many filmmakers use professional video editing to tell their stories effectively.