Editing is a complex job, often more detailed than it appears at first glance. While there are a number of things to think about, the following tips for video editing will help position you for success. As you become more confident, you can branch out and incorporate your own style into the process.
Get Organized
It is very difficult to either begin or finish a video editing assignment if you don’t have what you need on hand. You are likely to waste a significant amount of time searching for files if you aren’t organized. Therefore, getting the media arranged so that you know where everything can be found should be a priority and makes a huge difference.
It is best to handle this task prior to starting the editing job. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to arrange the clips, and sometimes different projects will require a different method of organization. If you don’t know where to begin, arrange the files by date. That will enable to you to pull what you need when you need it without too much effort on your part.
Always Make Copies
It should almost go without saying that backing up your work is an important part of the editing process. There are so many unknowns involved in your project; your power could go out in the middle of working, for example, or you could run into technology issues that set you back. If you have copies of the clips, you will be okay regardless of what happens.
It isn’t enough to just have one backup, either. In this case, definitely adhere to the “it’s better to be safe than sorry” motto. A good rule of thumb is to create three copies of your work. In addition, don’t keep all of the backups in one place. If one is on your computer, then put another on a zip drive, for example. That way, you know that your work is safe even in the event that one of your backups fails or is damaged.
Minimize the Number of Effects
There are so many ways to give your video an extra bit of flare. Some editors take things a little too far, and they use too many effects in an attempt to make their project stand out. This strategy usually backfires, however, because overusing effects can actually harm your video.
Several different effects often make it difficult for the viewer to figure out where to look or what is really important. In addition, too many effects can make the video seem cheap or juvenile. Use effects sparingly, when they can help you make a point or emphasize an important moment.
When it comes to your transitions, you want them to pass by seamlessly rather than drawing attention to them through effects. If you try to incorporate too many effects, your message is likely to get lost in the process. Keeping things simple is often the best way to make an impact when it comes to this area of video editing.
Stretch Out Your Video Clips
If you are filming the video, try to record for as long as possible. Obviously, if you are not in charge of creating the clips, you won’t be able to follow this tip. However, if you do have control, this will help you achieve a better final product. During the editing process, you’ll have plenty of material to go through. This helps you create a video that seems natural.
Begin rolling about half a minute before the action begins and keep rolling about half a minute after things stop. You’ll make sure to get everything that is important, and you’ll be able to edit the clip fairly smoothly.
Select Your Editing Program Carefully
The editing program you use for your videos can make a huge difference in the final product. Consider what type of project you are dealing with and select the right editing program for your needs. Use a professional video editing service for a professional finish to your videos.
While there are a lot of products on the market, some simply aren’t complex enough to get the job done. If you really want to get creative with your work and put a personal touch on your video, you need something meant for professionals. A few options include DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Premier Pro. These are ideal for music videos and short films, for example.
If your work is fairly straightforward, and you don’t foresee making too many changes, it is best to select a program that won’t confuse you or break the bank. For example, if your project is just for your family or winds up being a fairly short clip, you can choose a free option or work directly with Windows Movie Maker or iMovie.
Don’t forget to look at the features of the program before you get started. DaVinci Resolve is definitely complicated, but it doesn’t cost any money, and it has a lot of impressive features. Adobe Premier is great for beginners but still packs a punch as well. It is always a good idea to do your research to make sure you are working with the right program for your needs.