The Secrets of Professional Video Editing
Professional Video Editing Tips For Your Movies
Professional video editing can make the difference between a cheesy home movie and an emotional family film. But what exactly is professional video editing?
Professional video editing is hard to define, because usually it's something that you hardly notice. It's only when things go bad that you'll notice a lack of professional video editing. Of course, you don't need to hire a professional video production company to get professional video editing. Instead, you just need to follow this guide.
Learn the basics. There are some simple rules of video editing that you should learn, and follow (and even break sometimes).
Easy on the effects. iMovie and Movie Maker each offer an array of special effects and transitions. You should avoid most of these if you want a professional video editing look.
Start with good video footage. Professional video editing is easy if you have good footage to begin with. Good audio recording also makes a big difference in professional video editing.
Practice, practice, practice. Whether you're using a simple, free program like iMovie or Movie Maker, or a complex program like Final Cut or Adobe Premiere, you need practice with your editing system. Professional video editing requires you to take the time to learn the ins and outs of your editing software so that you can make the most of it.
Top 10 Rules for Video Editing
By Gretchen Siegchrist, About.com
See More About:
video editing
b-roll
jump cuts
focal length
video wipe
By following some simple rules for video editing you can make your movies flow together smoothly, in a classic style, without resorting to multiple transitions.
Of course, rules were made to be broken and creative editors take extreme artistic license. But, if you are new to the craft of video editing, learn these rules and consider them a foundation from which to develop your skills.
1. B-Roll
B-roll refers to video footage that sets the scene, reveals details, or generally enhances the story. For example, at a school play, besides shooting the play, you could get b-roll of the outside of the school, the program, faces of audience members, cast members hiding in the wings, or costume details.
These clips can be used to cover any cuts, or smooth trasitions from one scene to another.
zSB(3,3)
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2. Don't Jump
A jump cut occurs when you have two consecutive shots with the exact same camera set up, but a difference in the subject. It happens most often when editing interviews, and you want to cut out some words or phrases that the subject says.
If you leave the remaining shots side-by-side, the audience will be jarred by the slight repositioning of the subject. Instead, cover the cut with some b-roll, or use a fade.
3. Stay on Your Plane
When shooting, imagine that there is a horizontal line between you and your subjects. Now, stay on your side of the line. By observing a 180-degree plane, you keep a perspective that is more natural for the audience.
If you’re editing footage that disobeys this rule, try using b-roll between cuts. This way, the change in perspective won’t be as abrupt, if it’s noticeable at all.
More Info
4. 45 Degrees
When editing together a scene shot from multiple camera angles, always try to use shots that are looking at the subject from at least a difference of 45 degrees. Otherwise, the shots are too similar and appear almost like a jump cut to the audience.
5. Cut on Motion
Motion distracts the eye from noticing editing cuts. So, when cutting from one image to another, always try to do it when the subject is in motion. For example, cutting from a turning head to an opening door, is much smoother than cutting from a still head to a door about to be opened.
6. Change Focal Lengths
When you have two shots of the same subject, it’s easy to cut between close and wide angles. So, when shooting an interview, or a lengthy event such as a wedding, it’s a good idea to occasionally change focal lengths. A wide shot and a medium close up can be cut together, allowing you to edit parts out and change the order of shots without obvious jump cuts.
7. Cut on Similar Elements
There’s a cut in Apocalypse Now from a rotating ceiling fan to a helicopter. The scenes change dramatically, but the visually similar elements make for a smooth, creative cut.
You can do the same thing in your videos. Cut from a flower on a wedding cake to the groom’s boutenier, or tilt up to the blue sky from one scene and then down from the sky to a different scene.
8. Wipe
At weddings, I love it when people walk in front of the camera. They are apologetic, but unless it happened during the vows or the first dance, I am grateful for the wipe they gave me to use during editing.
When the frame fills up with one element (such as the back of a black suit jacket), it makes it easy to cut to a completely different scene without jarring the audience. You can set wipes up yourself during shooting, or just take advantage when they happen naturally.
9. Match the Scene
The beauty of editing is that you can take footage shots out of order or at separate times, and cut them together so that they appear as one continuous scene. To do this effectively, though, the elements in the shots should match up.
For example, a subject who exits frame right should enter the next shot frame left. Otherwise, it appears they turned around and are walking in the other direction. Or, if the subject is holding something in one shot, don't cut directly to a shot of them empty-handed.
If you don't have the right shots to make matched edits, insert some b-roll in between.
10. Motivate Yourself
Ultimately, every cut should be motivated. There should be a reason that you want to switch from one shot or camera angle to another. Sometimes that motivation is a simple as, “the camera shook,” or “someone walked in front of the camera.”
Ideally, though, your motivations for cutting should be to advance the narrative storytelling of your video.
How to burn AVI to DVD?
With the powerful AVI to DVD creator, you can burn many AVI files to DVD in batches, even if you are a novice. The AVI to DVD conversion is very simple and fast, so you can master it easily.
The bellowed tips will show you how to convert and burn AVI to DVD:
1. Download Xilisoft DVD Creator and install to your computer. Insert a DVD+R (DVD-R, DVD+RW or DVD-RW). Run the DVD Creator and add the AVI files you want to convert by clicking "Add Files" button under the "File" menu.
2. You can customize the output aspect resize method by selecting the file's title and clicking the "Resize Method" combo-box, and then you will find 3 choices for you to set it at will.There are 3 choices for you:Letterbox: add black stripes to fit the output aspect ratio.Pan and Scan: crop frame to fit the output aspect ratio.Full Screen: stretch and compress frame to fit the output aspect ratio.
3. Optional: Before burning the files, you can choose the background of the DVD menu at will by selecting one from the right part of the interface.
4. You can start to burn the AVI video file by clicking "Start Burn" button. Or you can click "start burn" button in the main interface.
After the file is burned, you will be able to enjoy your beloved AVI files on any DVD player!
The AVI to DVD creator is a powerful and easy-to-use video to DVD converter and burner which supports converting AVI to DVD, MPEG to DVD, WMV to DVD, etc. You can know mo
Transcript: Final Cut Pro Settings
Hi, I'm Isaac Brody for About.com Computing. Today I'll teach you to manage settings in Final Cut Pro. Each time you run Final Cut Pro you need to check most of these settings for your project.
How to Change Settings in Final Cut Pro
First go to the Final Cut Pro menu, and click System Settings. This is where we tell Final Cut where to save our video clips captured from our camera.
Media Storage Settings in Final Cut Pro
For each project or movie you make you should create a new folder for all your media. If you fail to do so and keep each project set to one folder, you might lose or forget where files are down the road. So click on the top, Set button. I'll click on the, New Folder button and call it New Movie Files, and hit Create. There's my new folder, and I'll hit Choose. The Cache folders and autosave vault need to be set to the folder I just created. I'll click the set button for each, find the folder, and hit choose. And now I'll click OK.
Capture Settings in Final Cut Pro
Now well select our Audio/Video settings for our project. This tells Final Cut how to recognize and capture from our camera. I'll click the Final Cut Pro menu and select Audio/Video Settings. If I'm capturing from a MiniDV camera, I'll click on the drop down menu under sequence preset and choose the DV NTSC 48kHZ setting. And make sure the capture preset is the same. My camera connects to the computer with firewire, so I'll select Firewire NTSC under Device Control Preset. I'll make sure that Video Playback is set to Apple Firewire NTSC. It's listed but says it's missing because my camera is not plugged in yet. I'll just click OK.
User Preference Settings in Final Cut Pro
Finally, I'll click on Final Cut Pro and click User Preferences. Here we can adjust personal preferences. For instance, I can change the number of undo levels, or decide to save a copy every ten minutes. Once youre done click OK.
Save Setting Template in Final Cut Pro
And last well save our project. Go to File, Save Project as, and I'll select the project folder. I'll name it New Movie, and hit save. Now we've set up our project to properly capture and manage video. Thanks for watching. For more information, please visit us online at Computing.About.com
B
The 180 Degree Rule
It is important to maintain interest in an interview by having a variety of shots that show different perspectives or angles. However, it is essential to maintain “consistency of screen direction.” This means that you should not cross the “Axis of Action” or the imaginary line that follows the main subject’s action or direction of focus.
The 180 Degree Rule states that you can place the camera anywhere along the 180 Degrees of one side of the axis of action and maintain consistency of screen direction.
You should not cross the axis of action without:
The use of a moving shot that shows the crossing of the axis of action.
Indicate on screen that a shot is a “Reverse Angle” as is done in sporting events.
Professional Video Editing Tips For Your Movies
Professional video editing can make the difference between a cheesy home movie and an emotional family film. But what exactly is professional video editing?
Professional video editing is hard to define, because usually it's something that you hardly notice. It's only when things go bad that you'll notice a lack of professional video editing. Of course, you don't need to hire a professional video production company to get professional video editing. Instead, you just need to follow this guide.
Learn the basics. There are some simple rules of video editing that you should learn, and follow (and even break sometimes).
Easy on the effects. iMovie and Movie Maker each offer an array of special effects and transitions. You should avoid most of these if you want a professional video editing look.
Start with good video footage. Professional video editing is easy if you have good footage to begin with. Good audio recording also makes a big difference in professional video editing.
Practice, practice, practice. Whether you're using a simple, free program like iMovie or Movie Maker, or a complex program like Final Cut or Adobe Premiere, you need practice with your editing system. Professional video editing requires you to take the time to learn the ins and outs of your editing software so that you can make the most of it.
Top 10 Rules for Video Editing
By Gretchen Siegchrist, About.com
See More About:
video editing
b-roll
jump cuts
focal length
video wipe
By following some simple rules for video editing you can make your movies flow together smoothly, in a classic style, without resorting to multiple transitions.
Of course, rules were made to be broken and creative editors take extreme artistic license. But, if you are new to the craft of video editing, learn these rules and consider them a foundation from which to develop your skills.
1. B-Roll
B-roll refers to video footage that sets the scene, reveals details, or generally enhances the story. For example, at a school play, besides shooting the play, you could get b-roll of the outside of the school, the program, faces of audience members, cast members hiding in the wings, or costume details.
These clips can be used to cover any cuts, or smooth trasitions from one scene to another.
zSB(3,3)
Sponsored Links
Personal Statement Panic?Know where you stand. Every order gets a free proof.www.waitlistwonk.com
Shutterstock® FootageDownload royalty-free stock video at Shutterstock®. $10- $50 per clipfootage.Shutterstock.com
MICRODOLLY HOLLYWOODCool Tools! Jibs, Dollies & Mounts Ultra-Light Pro Camera Supportwww.microdolly.com
2. Don't Jump
A jump cut occurs when you have two consecutive shots with the exact same camera set up, but a difference in the subject. It happens most often when editing interviews, and you want to cut out some words or phrases that the subject says.
If you leave the remaining shots side-by-side, the audience will be jarred by the slight repositioning of the subject. Instead, cover the cut with some b-roll, or use a fade.
3. Stay on Your Plane
When shooting, imagine that there is a horizontal line between you and your subjects. Now, stay on your side of the line. By observing a 180-degree plane, you keep a perspective that is more natural for the audience.
If you’re editing footage that disobeys this rule, try using b-roll between cuts. This way, the change in perspective won’t be as abrupt, if it’s noticeable at all.
More Info
4. 45 Degrees
When editing together a scene shot from multiple camera angles, always try to use shots that are looking at the subject from at least a difference of 45 degrees. Otherwise, the shots are too similar and appear almost like a jump cut to the audience.
5. Cut on Motion
Motion distracts the eye from noticing editing cuts. So, when cutting from one image to another, always try to do it when the subject is in motion. For example, cutting from a turning head to an opening door, is much smoother than cutting from a still head to a door about to be opened.
6. Change Focal Lengths
When you have two shots of the same subject, it’s easy to cut between close and wide angles. So, when shooting an interview, or a lengthy event such as a wedding, it’s a good idea to occasionally change focal lengths. A wide shot and a medium close up can be cut together, allowing you to edit parts out and change the order of shots without obvious jump cuts.
7. Cut on Similar Elements
There’s a cut in Apocalypse Now from a rotating ceiling fan to a helicopter. The scenes change dramatically, but the visually similar elements make for a smooth, creative cut.
You can do the same thing in your videos. Cut from a flower on a wedding cake to the groom’s boutenier, or tilt up to the blue sky from one scene and then down from the sky to a different scene.
8. Wipe
At weddings, I love it when people walk in front of the camera. They are apologetic, but unless it happened during the vows or the first dance, I am grateful for the wipe they gave me to use during editing.
When the frame fills up with one element (such as the back of a black suit jacket), it makes it easy to cut to a completely different scene without jarring the audience. You can set wipes up yourself during shooting, or just take advantage when they happen naturally.
9. Match the Scene
The beauty of editing is that you can take footage shots out of order or at separate times, and cut them together so that they appear as one continuous scene. To do this effectively, though, the elements in the shots should match up.
For example, a subject who exits frame right should enter the next shot frame left. Otherwise, it appears they turned around and are walking in the other direction. Or, if the subject is holding something in one shot, don't cut directly to a shot of them empty-handed.
If you don't have the right shots to make matched edits, insert some b-roll in between.
10. Motivate Yourself
Ultimately, every cut should be motivated. There should be a reason that you want to switch from one shot or camera angle to another. Sometimes that motivation is a simple as, “the camera shook,” or “someone walked in front of the camera.”
Ideally, though, your motivations for cutting should be to advance the narrative storytelling of your video.
How to burn AVI to DVD?
With the powerful AVI to DVD creator, you can burn many AVI files to DVD in batches, even if you are a novice. The AVI to DVD conversion is very simple and fast, so you can master it easily.
The bellowed tips will show you how to convert and burn AVI to DVD:
1. Download Xilisoft DVD Creator and install to your computer. Insert a DVD+R (DVD-R, DVD+RW or DVD-RW). Run the DVD Creator and add the AVI files you want to convert by clicking "Add Files" button under the "File" menu.
2. You can customize the output aspect resize method by selecting the file's title and clicking the "Resize Method" combo-box, and then you will find 3 choices for you to set it at will.There are 3 choices for you:Letterbox: add black stripes to fit the output aspect ratio.Pan and Scan: crop frame to fit the output aspect ratio.Full Screen: stretch and compress frame to fit the output aspect ratio.
3. Optional: Before burning the files, you can choose the background of the DVD menu at will by selecting one from the right part of the interface.
4. You can start to burn the AVI video file by clicking "Start Burn" button. Or you can click "start burn" button in the main interface.
After the file is burned, you will be able to enjoy your beloved AVI files on any DVD player!
The AVI to DVD creator is a powerful and easy-to-use video to DVD converter and burner which supports converting AVI to DVD, MPEG to DVD, WMV to DVD, etc. You can know mo
Transcript: Final Cut Pro Settings
Hi, I'm Isaac Brody for About.com Computing. Today I'll teach you to manage settings in Final Cut Pro. Each time you run Final Cut Pro you need to check most of these settings for your project.
How to Change Settings in Final Cut Pro
First go to the Final Cut Pro menu, and click System Settings. This is where we tell Final Cut where to save our video clips captured from our camera.
Media Storage Settings in Final Cut Pro
For each project or movie you make you should create a new folder for all your media. If you fail to do so and keep each project set to one folder, you might lose or forget where files are down the road. So click on the top, Set button. I'll click on the, New Folder button and call it New Movie Files, and hit Create. There's my new folder, and I'll hit Choose. The Cache folders and autosave vault need to be set to the folder I just created. I'll click the set button for each, find the folder, and hit choose. And now I'll click OK.
Capture Settings in Final Cut Pro
Now well select our Audio/Video settings for our project. This tells Final Cut how to recognize and capture from our camera. I'll click the Final Cut Pro menu and select Audio/Video Settings. If I'm capturing from a MiniDV camera, I'll click on the drop down menu under sequence preset and choose the DV NTSC 48kHZ setting. And make sure the capture preset is the same. My camera connects to the computer with firewire, so I'll select Firewire NTSC under Device Control Preset. I'll make sure that Video Playback is set to Apple Firewire NTSC. It's listed but says it's missing because my camera is not plugged in yet. I'll just click OK.
User Preference Settings in Final Cut Pro
Finally, I'll click on Final Cut Pro and click User Preferences. Here we can adjust personal preferences. For instance, I can change the number of undo levels, or decide to save a copy every ten minutes. Once youre done click OK.
Save Setting Template in Final Cut Pro
And last well save our project. Go to File, Save Project as, and I'll select the project folder. I'll name it New Movie, and hit save. Now we've set up our project to properly capture and manage video. Thanks for watching. For more information, please visit us online at Computing.About.com
B
The 180 Degree Rule
It is important to maintain interest in an interview by having a variety of shots that show different perspectives or angles. However, it is essential to maintain “consistency of screen direction.” This means that you should not cross the “Axis of Action” or the imaginary line that follows the main subject’s action or direction of focus.
The 180 Degree Rule states that you can place the camera anywhere along the 180 Degrees of one side of the axis of action and maintain consistency of screen direction.
You should not cross the axis of action without:
The use of a moving shot that shows the crossing of the axis of action.
Indicate on screen that a shot is a “Reverse Angle” as is done in sporting events.
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