So you have filed a documentary, short film, or YouTube video? Half the battle is already done, and it is time for the other half of the battle, AKA post-processing the video.
Similar to filming, the post-processing stage also involves technical knowledge and creativity. How the final video will appear to your audience depends on your editing skills. Therefore, you must make a good decision here.
Here are some editing tips that will make you a successful video creator.
1. Patiently watch all the video clips before beginning the editing process
Wait to start with the edits right after filming the video or short film. You must first watch all the footage and segregate the ones you will use. There might be some unusable video footage, so you can remove them.
When you watch all the footage, note down the time code for all the parts of the clip that you like. Then, you can type it into a document or sticky note. Also, you can create a note regarding how you want to use the footage.
Therefore, when you finally start editing, you don’t have to waste time finding and choosing the clips you wish to use for a specific scene.
2. Invest in a fast computer and choose the right editing software
No, there’s no need to get into the Mac versus Windows debate. You can choose the model of your choice but ensure it is fast enough to store large files and there’s enough RAM so you can edit the video without a glitch. Also, don’t forget to customize your computer by adding an external monitor to organize, view, and complete your editing tasks efficiently.
Next, choose the right video editing software like Premiere Pro, After Effects, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, etc. It is also best to learn how to convert video to audio if you want to give a glimpse of your work to your audience and create interest. So the software you select must also be capable of converting media, so it is easy to share across platforms and devices.
3. Decide the music you want to use
Music can be an integral or a subtle part of your video. Before editing your video, select the audio you wish to use. The music may drive the edit. For instance, if you are creating a promotional video, it is best to have the track ready to ensure the music sync with the pace of the video.
4. Remember to watch video tutorials
Educational websites, blog sites, and YouTube are filled with helpful tutorials that enhance your video editing skills and make you a great video creator. Most of the tutorials found online are available for free. Furthermore, you can sign up for professional courses to learn the ins and outs of compelling video altering.
5. Edit the story
Remember to tell a good story when you are editing the video clips. The final product must place the video footage in order, so the audience sees an aesthetically-pleasing story. Whether your video is 2 minutes or 30 minutes long, it must evoke the right emotions and convey the intended message.
You can follow the storyboard during editing to maintain the scene transitions and the predetermined flow. You can also sit with your team to make the edits to make on-the-spot creative decisions.
6. Work in an organized manner
You may have a super fast computer and the right video editing program. But your productivity will be improved if you maintain an efficient workflow.
You can work faster by storing your video footage on an external hard drive. It is easier to carry the external hard drive and finish editing on any computer. Also, this helps free up your computer’s internal storage and memory. Furthermore, you must allocate more RAM to the editing process so there’s no performance lag during the process.
7. Learn the essential editing terms
If you are part of the video editing world, you must communicate with other video editors and directors. So you must be aware of the basic editing terms used in the industry.
Some basic concepts include:
- Cutaways – This refers to adding transition pieces that do not include the main subject or any action to set the mood or show the surrounding.
- Jump cuts – Refers to cutting out portions to skip predictable or boring moments so that visual interest is preserved.
- Cutting on action – This refers to cutting when the subject moves to create a fluid scene.
Ensure to take your time to learn the terms, so it streamlines the editing process.
The Bottom Line
Becoming a successful video creator involves much more than creating a story and filming the video. First, you must enhance your video editing skills so that the final product is as expected.