Audio/Video Editing Concepts

Preparation

• Plan out the video! Use a storyboard to show how you want each shot to look and the order in which the shots occur. (Sample storyboard below)

• Record extra B-Roll (additional footage that helps set the scene, tone, or tell the story. This footage can be used for cut scenes or wherever gaps may appear.)

• Record all shots longer than you think is necessary, at least five seconds at the beginning and end of each shot.

• When recording a scene, make sure the camera angle changes more than 30 degrees between shots, otherwise it will create a jarring jump cut during editing.

• Offload footage to an additional hard drive as a backup and meticulously label everything. Better organization will make editing an easier process.

Best Editing Practices

• Realize that editing takes a lot more time than you may expect, be patient!

• Begin by editing your audio tracks first, it is much easier to add more or cut out video.

  • Lay down the voiceover track, music, or recorded dialogue first in the work area/timeline and get that set how you want it for the video.

  • Once that is ready, begin placing the visuals whether it’s video, photo, or graphics to match the pacing of the audio.

• If you plan to use music, definitely establish that first and match it to the dialogue

  • The music will affect the pacing of the visuals and needs to be set so the visuals can be adjusted accordingly

• Normalize the audio levels (have them all set to the same output volume)

  • The only time audio levels shouldn’t match is if you have two audio tracks at the same time such as voiceover and music. The music should be set to a lower volume so it is easier to hear the voiceover.

• Use Establishing Shots when starting a scene, gives a better understanding of the environment

• In general, minimize special effects/quick cuts - less is more. Stick with one transition type, stay on a shot for at least 2 seconds, etc.

  • Basic Transition 1: hard cut, one clip right after another

  • Basic Transition 2: fade to black, clip fades to a black screen

  • Basic Transition 3: fade into each other, first clip fades into the second clip

• Try to make cuts between clips occur while the subject is moving, creates a sense of flow

  • Trim clips that don’t show important action

• Titles and captions should be up for a minimum of 5 seconds, but depending on the content, may need to be longer. (Not everyone reads at the same speed.)

• Triple check spelling on any titles, lower thirds, or credits!

• Save the project as often as possible!

• Once you are happy with what you’ve done, duplicate it (creates an easy restore point).

  • This allows you to test out edits in a “new” project without being worried about destroying what you’ve worked on

• Remember:

  • Follow your plan

  • Be creative

  • Have fun!

Sample Storyboard

Open

Editing Software

• Mobile Platforms (Compatible with Android and iOS, download in App Store)

  • PowerDirector - Video Editor

  • FilmoraGo - Video Editor & Maker

  • Adobe Premiere Rush

• Computer/Laptop Platforms

  • iMovie (MacOS only, download from App Store), Instructions

  • Shotcut, Tutorials

Adobe Premiere Pro (for more experienced editors), TutorialsAudio/Video Editing Concepts