Welcome to part three in my "Video Storytelling" series. Remember these are the basics to get you motivated and experienced when storytelling for your employees. Since we've covered the top-level how's and why's and the basics of shooting video, we're left with the fine tuning of "Editing Basics". Bob Grace has joined us again to share his take on the basics of editing. He points out the 5 things you need to be aware of when sitting in front of your computer and ready to piece together your video clips. Now sit back, read, and hopefully learn something new. Intro to Bob...
So you've just finished capturing a bunch of footage and now want to turn it into something amazing. Time to get into the mindset of a video editor. Editing is much more than just cutting shaky shots and boring parts. More than anything, it’s about creating the elements to tell a clear and cohesive story and engage your audience.
The first step is choosing a video editing software. There are so many options, all at different prices and offering different features. If you are new to video editing, I suggest starting with either iMovie (Mac) or Windows Movie Maker, which come pre-installed on computers. Both of these applications are intuitive, easy to use and - best of all - are free. Also make sure you have enough space on your computer’s hard drive. You’ll be surprised how much space video sucks up! If you’re running low on space, you may want to consider buying an external drive.
Next, get acquainted with your editing software. You don’t have to know all the ins and outs, but at least cover the basic functions (such as importing video and adding it to your project) and know where to find the different tools and features.
Ready to get started? Here are five tips to keep in mind as you begin editing:
- Review first, then import: Many novice videographers shoot many takes only to find that a handful of them are usable. Rather than import all of the clips from your video camera, just import those that you may potentially use in the final edit. Think of it as your video ‘pre-screening’ process. It will save time and valuable hard drive space and help keep your clip folder less cluttered.
- Use sound to tell a story: Audio is just as important as the visuals when it comes to making an effective video. You can use voiceovers to emphasize specific points, sound effects to add humor, and music to help influence the mood and flow of your project. Be careful not to use copyrighted material; there are many royalty-free options available as an alternative. Also, pay close attention to the audio volume levels so one sound element doesn't drown out another one (e.g. music vs. subject’s voice). Most editing applications have a helpful audio level meter. If you see it jumping into the red zone, adjust the levels.
- Experiment with tools and effects: Even if you’re using an entry-level editing application, there are quite a few features to explore. The title tool is useful if you want text to appear on screen. Transitions as well as speed (fast/slow motion) and color (black and white) effects - like music - can help determine the mood and pacing and dramatize certain parts of your video. Of course, just because your software may have many options doesn't mean you should use them all. If you want your video to look professional, go easy on the effects. Still images and graphics can also be a great addition to your project. As with audio, be mindful of copyright issues when using images. I've found that istockphoto.com is a fantastic resource for royalty-free stock images.
- Awkward edits - avoiding jump cuts: A jump cut is an immediate transition between two shots that are very similar. They are often jarring and unpleasing for the viewer. Rather than try to explain it, this video does a nice job showing examples and solutions. Avoiding jump cuts is easy and will go a far way in making your video look better.
- Share and collaborate: It’s important to to take a step away from the project and let someone else look at it. Whether it’s your boss or your buddy, you’ll get a fresh perspective. Maybe the other person will notice something you've missed or suggest a new approach. When I worked on videos at Disney, Christopher and I each provided input and bounced ideas off each other. I have no doubt our videos turned out much better than if I had worked on them alone.
There you go, five tips to consider while you edit. As with anything, it takes lots of practice to become a good editor - learning the rhythm and flow of a good video production, telling a compelling story, and effectively using the tools your software has to offer. With that in mind, get creative and have fun editing!
Share!
If you have already started editing video, what has your experience been like? Do you have any other tips beginners might find useful? If you’re just starting out, what questions do you still have?
In my last post titled Video Storytelling, I shared my thoughts and provided guidelines for creating good video as part of an employee communication channel. This was a great first step. To round out the subject, I want to highlight the basics for shooting video and editing. Instantly my former colleague and friend Bob Grace came to mind. He has a lot of experience in this area and could share some real insight. I asked Bob if he would be interested in sharing his knowledge and becoming my first guest blogger. Thankfully for all of us, the following post is all Bob.
I’m thrilled to be the first guest-blogger here on Accidental Information! I worked with Christopher on launching an employee-focused web video series at Disney. We started with nothing more than a Flip cam, simple editing software, and a few good ideas. Here are some tips and techniques I found particularly useful as we ventured into the world of video storytelling, specifically shooting video:
- Come prepared: Before you even hit the record button, be sure to prepare a storyboard and script. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it will give you a good idea as to how your video will progress and, more importantly, will save time during the filming process.
- Multiple takes: Don’t feel pressure to get it right the first time. Whether your on-camera talent flubs a line or you accidentally shake the camera while recording, slip-ups are bound to happen. Even if you think you got the perfect take, record one more as a backup. It’s always nice to have a few good takes to choose from, but try not to record so many takes that you’re spending all of your time reviewing footage when you begin editing. Also, try to resist the urge to delete or record over bad clips. Who knows, they may come in handy for a blooper reel at the end of your video!
- Shot variety: Imagine watching a video that uses the same type of shot the whole time. Boring! Make an effort to get a variety of shots and angles. Wide shots show the subject in his or her setting and give viewers a sense of location. Medium shots frame the subject from the waist up. Close-ups focus in on your subject’s expressions or emotions. Getting a variety of shots will give you more to work with when you begin editing and will help make your video more dynamic. This page takes a closer look at shot types and what they look like.
- Minimize movement: Many video novices like to walk-and-film only to discover the video turns out far shakier than it looked on the screen while filming. It’s best to just keep your feet planted and stick to static shots or slow pans.
- Framing: There’s a simple technique that even most seasoned videographers use. It’s called the Rule of Thirds. Know it and you’ll be on your way to composing more interesting, professional-looking shots. Here’s a video I found that does a great job demonstrating the Rule of Thirds.
Now for two of the most important aspects of video. If nothing else, make sure your sound and lighting is good.
- Sound: The on-board mic on a Flip cam (and most consumer video cameras) will pick up everything - wind, an airplane overhead, even the hum of a refrigerator. Just be mindful of ambient noise - whether you are shooting inside or outside - and keep the camera close to your subject to record their voice at a good level. And if you have a fancy camera with an input for an external mic, even better!
- Lighting: There’s a reason I saved lighting for last... it’s the trickiest. Generally shooting outdoors is more difficult than shooting indoors. A few tips: Avoid shooting your subject under direct sunlight, as this results in overexposed shots (and can be very uncomfortable for your subject). Also avoid shooting with the sun shining behind the subject since this will darken him or her. Instead, try positioning your subject so the sunlight comes in from the sides instead of directly above (early morning or late afternoon is ideal) or shoot in the shade where the sun’s light is softened. Check out this video for a quick outdoor lighting tutorial, including how and when to use a reflector.
Of course these are just guidelines, not hard-and-fast rules. Feel free to experiment and get creative with the camera! Next step - editing. I’ll be back with another post soon featuring tips for easy and effective editing.
Another web series spotlight for all of you. This time, we are back to reality with group of friends and their misadventures with Life From The Inside. The story focuses on Mason, a man the has been forced to become a jingle writer. Of course, nothing goes as it should and his friends just add to the randomness of the episodes. So far, I am enjoying this clever and witty show. You will never forget that you are watching an independent creation due to the lack of Hollywood polish. But, I am a fan of the charm and hard work these type of productions provide. After watching enough of the episodes, I am ready to offer my help with the productions. And so far, I have only wanted to do that for The Guild.
Check out the fun times at Life From The Inside
Today, I have a web series to spotlight. Lady Wasteland brings together a world where technology is gone and people must live by their wits and courage alone. It's kind of a Mad Max, post apocalyptic sort of thing. People living on the fringe of existence, where almost anything goes, including cannibalism. This is a low budget, but a relatively good effort. You can see the director and crew have put a lot of care and thought into doing the best with what they have available. By the second episode, I even felt a little suspense rushing in my veins.
Side note: Even the website gets some high marks from me for the detail and creation of an immersive world.
Go check it out at Lady Wasteland
