3 Essential Tips to Great Video Production Editing
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So you want to create decent memorable videos? Me too. But before you begin pulling together the footage you’ve captured, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Tip 1 - Know What You’re Trying To Accomplish
It may sound obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how many fail at this first stage - before they even get started! In actuality, the editing stage should be a continuation of the pre-production and production stages. What I mean by that is, the story or purpose you have for the video MUST make its way into the editing phase. For example, if the storyline is based upon a damsel in distress who is rescued by the handsome prince from the evil witch and they live happily ever after, certain elements and techniques need to be utilized in the editing process. Following this example then, at times you will want highly intense and swift scene changes accompanied by clashing sound effects as the prince battles the witch. And at other times you’ll want slow fade-ins/outs and slow motion effects when the prince rides off with damsel to non-reality land.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking this step is not important, believe me, if you don’t get this right, no further editing will make a difference, your work will not be impressive. Take the time to sit and plan, to soak up the feeling, mood, emotions, overall mission and direction of the film. Only then will you have an adequate framework to give structure to your techniques.
As the editor you are the arranger, assembler, organizer, presenter, you are the one who makes all the difference! Think of it as building a house and you are the contractor, without you all one has is powdered cement and loose plywood - you make those parts meaningful by putting them together in the appropriate way. Your job is to tie all the work together and present the story, from the script to the footage, it all wraps up in your hands…you need to be skillful!
Tip 2 - Basically Skillful
Now that you know what the purpose of the film is, you need to get skillful. You need to bring those techniques that the film and story call for - putting the pieces together. Let’s take a look at a few shall we.
- Color: Sometimes the quality of footage you are given isn’t where you want it to be as an editor, remember, we’re after perfection. Color is often overlooked in the production process or sometimes simply diminished from poor lighting techniques. You need to keep the picture clean and consistent because color can have a striking impact on a film. A scene might call for rich colors or a dull dampened look. If the video is for broadcast, there could be legal ramifications for shoddy color.
- Transitions: Like I said before, we’re pulling everything together. ‘Seamless’ is the word that you need to keep in your mind. Now when I say seamless I don’t mean slow. What I mean is ‘in line with the mood’. That is the true definition of seamless. It’s where the audience naturally progresses according to the film’s desired direction - you just help them along. Dissolves, page peels, zooming, wiping, etc.
- Effects: You can use these to fix and patch up flaws in the footage. Tints, sharpeners, etc. Don’t be afraid to try these out, if done right they aren’t cheesy at all! Just don’t over do it.
- Clip Speed: Don’t be afraid to speed up and slow down a clip to get the message across, in fact, you should! Think of a movie like the Matrix. Those out of shape actors don’t move that fast! See, we make them look good.
- Clip Duration: You don’t need everything the production process gives you. You decide what stays in and what stays out, so why not take only a portion of video if you feel like it? Sounds basic? No, No, Fundamentals are everything, because choosing the right portion is the challenge. How do you know what stays and what goes? Back to the story, purpose, mission of the film - that’s how you know. Another overlooked and very basic skill.
- Audio: Music, Sound effects, voice overs. Video with crummy audio is like the blind leading the blind - they both fall into the ditch, along with your final product. Proper mixing and sweetening is an essential part of editing. Also, learn to master your fading and panning, two effects that give life to your video. When fading, you’ll want to use this precisely and accurately. Panning refers to shifting the sound from one ear to the other from the listener’s point of reference. In other words, having the effect of a speeding bullet whizzing by your ear requires you to pan the sound to follow the bullet. Try surfing the net for the free sound effects out there. Lot’s more can be said on audio.
These briefly outline a few of the techniques one can use in video production editing, and while they may seem obvious, remember that they are basic for a reason. Because the basics work!
Tip 3 - Video Production Editing Software
Yes it’s true, while basics are always necessary, sometimes you need the right tools to add some pizazz. Choosing the right software is essential, especially when you’re just starting out. If you want to create great videos and plan on increasing your skills, you’ll need software that can keep up with you now and when you advance. Here are a few things to look out for:
- In my opinion, as one progresses, there will be the need for different types of software, from graphics to extra effects. For this reason I believe it makes sense to go with a product line that will work together with the different software you intend to use. The last thing you need is one program not getting along with another. Also, if you’re involved in pre, pro, and post production phases, this suggestion becomes a requirement!
- Along the same lines, don’t forget about photos. Sometimes they work their way into a video and it’s good to have a software that can create and edit nice stills (and talk to your video editor nicely).
- Next you want good support. A company that provides good support is a company that provides good products. Keep this in mind when you’re looking for software.
- Don’t be led to believe that one video production editing software is easier than the other. All your decent editors will have a learning curve, hence the support factor.
- For reasons mentioned above, I hesitate to mention user friendliness, nevertheless I have included it here as it does play a role.
- Delivery to discs/web/mobile devices - Blu-ray would be forward thinking.
- Consider the software’s interaction with various cameras
- Tools such as lighting, color, audio filters, accurate keyframe control, etc
- Format compatibility - if you’re gonna buy, please make sure it handles HD!!
Everyone has their biases, but Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 will meet the above requirements. It’s compatible with PC or MAC. As far as video production editing software goes, Adobe is a leader. Adobe also has a whole host of other products so I suggest you visit their site, take a look around, and start creating memorable videos!!!
Astonishing New Video Editing Software Creates Hollywood Effects
To put it bluntly, the world of video editing is starting to FREAK ME OUT! I don’t know what to believe anymore!
This new software is simply amazing! It allows you to extract foreground objects and place them on a different background. Something like using the magic wand in Paint or Photoshop - except this is video! If you’re familiar with the green screen, then you’ll immediately see the application for this software. Check it out:
Interactive Video Cutout from pro on Vimeo.
This second video demonstrates just as compelling research. One can take an ordinary video, spice it up with high resolution photographs, and slap it all together to create an improved ‘enhanced video’. What’s so freaky about that you ask? See for yourself:
Using Photographs to Enhance Videos of a Static Scene from pro on Vimeo.
To me, both video 1 and video 2 look really promising for the video production editing future.
I don’t think it’s scheduled for release to the public anytime soon - I read somewhere that Microsoft has a hand in it. If and when this gets into the video production mainstream, we’ll be seeing a mass influx of ‘miraculous’ videos boasting all sorts of supposedly incredible feats. Having said that, we’ll also see some truly remarkable work from the average editor, which is something to be appreciated.
Stepping back though, can you really look at news clips, YouTube videos, and political footage (propaganda) in the same light? There was a time that maybe I would sit on the fence with some of the conspiracy videos out there, not quite sure if the footage is doctored or not…not anymore; I don’t believe ‘em!
Seriously think about this, these sort of tools in the wrong hands is pretty frightening, don’t you think?
Video Production Editing Walkthrough: Short Comedy
Found this video when stumbling, and I must say, it’s great!
We aren’t looking at the entire production process so it’s hard to determine what the editor had to work with (obviously this video is very well done through all phases). Let’s assume that the editor had lots of work, which is probably true! Some of the things I noticed, from a video editing standpoint, when watching it where the following:
- The editing is consistent with the story and type of video. It’s a comedy but intended to relay a serious message. The editor selected the ‘line-up’ scene to be an intro to the entire video. The shot of the line-up and pan to the two gentlemen (not sure who they represent, let’s call them ‘interviewers’), was a summary of the entire story. The line-up, the shot of the two men, and the good-o-meter behind it - the whole story at the beginning.
- I like the short length of the clips and the constant change of shots from the ‘interviewers’ to the ‘interviewees’. It highlights the dialog aspect and helps the reader ask the question ‘what’s the outcome going to be?’ The shots also personalize the situation for the audience by using this technique - which is no doubt inline with the purpose (especially the shots that looks between the interviewers with the interviewee in the middle as the focus of the shot.)
- It goes without saying that the audio choice for video was perfect! Elevator music! Nothing could have been better for the mood and intention of the video. Did you notice what the editor did with the volume levels….
- Along with the music, obviously the sound effects (buzzzzz, woooop wuuuupp) are inline with the story. You can really see how the story, purpose, and type of video permeate into all aspects of the production and editing process.
- Notice the clip duration. The longer pauses on the sarcastic face of the interviewer, this forces the audience to question “are they really good enough?”
- Brilliant uses of the J and L cuts. A J-cut is where the editor changes the audio before the video, the opposite is true for the L. The editor uses these well in the interviews. The intention of the interviews is to give the feeling of ‘one after the other’. This continuous flow is what the J and L cuts are designed to do, so take note when you can only hear an interviewee complaining as they are being escorted to the side while you are actually looking at the interviewer as he shouts ‘next!’ Very well done.
- Again, the clip duration came into effect when, buzzz, “but I did”..buzz…”baptized”…buzzz. This contraction and speed up of ‘interviewees’ was very powerful as it led to the climax…
- The shot with only a hand holding the folder, leading into the zoom out shot to see ‘who is this important person’ was very well done and inline with the purpose.
On the whole I thought the video and message were great. So, are you a good enough video production editor? Then tell me why…
‘Nip-Tuck’: Very Controversial Video Production Editing Software!
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Strolling through internet land I found evidence of some software, not sure if it’s available to us yet, but quite frankly, it looks like it will be extremely controversial! In fact, I found three! This article will deal with one of the three, I’ll post about the others later.
The first is concerned with, ‘facial attractiveness’ - need I say more? Basically this video production editing software makes, less attractive folks look a little more appealing. It is used in still shots, but the way I see it, what happens to a photo can make its way into a video. This means us less attractive folks can be movie stars! We’ll have paparazzi chase us every day, be called anorexic, bulimic, fat, skinny, accused of taking steroids, laughed at because we need steroids….you get the picture. Anyway, back to the topic.
Believe it or not, there is a science behind this software. Apparently there are statistics to show why people perceive one person more attractive than the other. The software focuses a lot on shapes and uses statistical analysis to determine the most attractive shape in frontal photographs while still retaining a close enough similarity to the original photo. The changes are actually extremely subtle, but I have to say, it works! Whatever your opinion on the ethics of the software, it is REALLY cool! Check this out, the pic on the left is the original:
The software also uses techniques that have been around for a while, however it improves upon them. Facial features from other photos can be extracted and placed on the desired photo, allowing a seamless integration from many different faces onto a single face. Nip tuck here, cut and paste there, BAM! A new you! Oh wait, what’s this…oh shucks, their database only has Caucasian profiles thus far and so while the technology could help a brotha’, they ain’t sho’ yet (my ebonics kicking in).
Here’s a shot of the user in putting features from other faces:
Here are some other pics:
There you have it folks, pretty impressive video production editing software huh? You can see more - maybe an application demo soon - on Tommer Leyvand’s site. Todah Rabbah, Mischpocha! (Hebrew for thanks a lot family!) Like I said, this primarily concerns still shots but the application to video is obvious. Microsoft has some software that I blogged about that also touches on this topic, check out that blog on Microsoft Unwrap.
You know who I can see using this…I can see those of you making wedding videos for a living using something like this….now that is controversial!!! Would you touch up a bride’s shot for her to get a better rep? Is this lying in a way? What’s the difference if you fix one blemish or a whole face? Everyone does this right? Oh man, this really has my moral juices flowing! Then again, I don’t get out much. More to come folks, more to come.
Really, Really Cool Video Production Editing Software - Really!
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So if you’re a novice and you’re looking to get started in the video production arena, the first question is - where do I start? At least that’s where I am.
I have an idea of what I want to create, I have a camera (not High Definition, yet), and I have a computer. What I don’t have is video production software that is intuitive and really easy to learn and use…you know, something like drag and drop. Did you say drag and drop? Why yes I did, yes I did my friend.
I present to you, LoiloScope. Now some of you more advanced readers might be smirking, but for many, this is right up their alley. Video production editing software that will allow me to slap something together just to get started.
So what does it do? I thought you would never ask! Yes, I’m a little excited. So, at first the user sees a blank workspace, in fact, think of it as ‘outer-space’, it’s an infinite floor that you drag and drop your videos on top of as if they were photos - think of it as Piclens for those of you familiar with that. You can zoom out from your ‘cluster of videos’ and they appear smaller and smaller the further away you zoom, and vice versa if you zoom in. You’re a little slow aren’t you, ok here’s a screenshot.
That’s right, those colorful squares are the individual video clips that a user wants to use. That box with the black screen is sort of like your main video, it’s where you can drop your clips onto and bring everything into one cohesive video…more on that later! So it’s easy to see how this works, I think.
The video production software does seem to have a few effects you can use but even as a novice they don’t seem to be that impressive, there is other software you can use if you’re aiming for something a little more technical.
It feels like you’re a chef creating a stew, actually something a bit more attractive, a salad, yep, that’s it. A TROPICAL salad. You can throw stuff here and there, and in the end, voila, a bowl of wholesome goodness - except this salad has magnets. Huh?
The software allows the user to throw magnets on the floor and then throw the videos at the magnets to catch them and organize things a bit better. Still a little slow are we, another screenshot will do the trick!
Those orange, green, and blue bars are the ‘magnets’ and they can attract and hold the videos you toss at them, simply for organization folks; I like organization! Cool stuff man, cool stuff.
Each clip can be edited. There will be a time-line for each clip - if you look closely you can see the red bar on the main video section right under the black screen. If you can’t see the red bar that I’m talking about, don’t worry, essentially the time-line looks like the magnets. Each time-line has a left knob and a right knob, these can be dragged to the desired portion of video. Say you had a 10 min long clip but you only wanted 5 seconds of that clip, you drag the left and right knobs until the start and stop of the clip is now that 5 second portion you wanted.
After the user has edited the desired clips from all the videos, they can drop the various clips onto the main section directly underneath the black screen. It is there that these clips can be arranged in a time-line fashion so that the final video can play multiple clips at once to retrieve the desired result - I know I know, screenshot.
This is a close up of the black screen and main video area, this is where you place all you clips to create the final product. You can see the red time-line I was talking about here. Also, you can see the gray time-lines underneath the red one, those are the individual clip time-lines. As the user places the clip time-lines on top of each other the final video will play everything that overlaps at a specific point. In this case you can see the vertical thin line is touching two gray time-lines, this means that both will be playing. Look at the actual video screen, notice that the video shows the text on top, that’s because one of the clips (gray bars) was simply a text clip and it is overlapping another clip with a kid in it.
You will also notice that there are two gray bars not quite joined together, well the user can move a bar to join with another, allowing two different clips to create one clip, this will change the moved bar to a different color letting the user know that the clips have been aligned properly - all drag and drop my friend.
The final video can be uploaded to YouTube with a few clicks right from the userface.
LoiloScope is in beta right now, however you can freely download it from their site at LoiloScope and in the future the software will have to be purchased for about $59 to $88.
I think this software looks really promising for those looking to get started and I wouldn’t be surprised if others are already developing something like it (for all I know there is already stuff like this, if there is let me know!). I strongly suggest you go and have a peek at the demo video because it will explain things a lot better than I can with words. To me, this is going to be great video production editing software for everyday users looking to create some basic home videos. All I can say is, yes my brotha’, yes indeed.
New Video Production Editing Software from Microsoft
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Microsoft has been researching this new technology that allows a user to flatten a video into a 2-D ‘photo’, create a few effects, and then re-merge the work back into a video format! Apparently this change can continue along all frames of the video. They demonstrated this on their website by slapping some facial hair onto a man’s clean shave. The work is called ‘Unwrap Mosaic’ for obvious reasons.
‘So what’ you say? Well, for one, this could mean that the average editor not privy to all of the fancy equipment in hollywood might soon be applying some serious effects here folks. I guess it remains to be seen how this product will be distributed and for what price, but it’s still cool and is definitely news worthy for video production editing fans. I can see the output from this video production software will eventually being smeared all over Youtube.
Check out their website for more info, video demonstration, and research paper.
I think this will be a great project to watch in the future, you would agree wouldn’t you?
Google acquires Omnisio to perk up YouTube | Video Production Editing Blog
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According to Omnisio’s website, Google has just acquired the small company, brained by Stanford techies, that allows users to edit - in simple ways - their favorite videos. The platform also gives users the ability to create video compilations and in video comments.
The business model seems to be based on a more social approach to video production where viewer editing makes up a large portion of their success - no wonder Google bought it. Viewers can also select a portion of their favorite video and post it on their profile page or personal blog.
Let’s say one of you were to post a video on YouTube and ask us to put it up on this blog for others to see. I’m guessing that the video production editing blog community here will be able to make comments to the video itself and offer feedback at specific reference points in the video. It can also accommodate slides, which apparently has been very beneficial for training and presentation type videos.
Maybe the uses I mentioned above might offer some neat features, time will tell I guess.
Let’s hear it, what do you think? Do you think this makes sense? Will this be of any help or use to you? Check out a sample on their site and then rate the product above.
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