Anyone with a digital camera or a camera phone can now capture life on video. We see the world through the camera lens. But simply capturing moments on camera doesn’t make a film.
A proper film has a certain shape, making it easier for viewing. This is where video editing comes in. A video of a 3-hour long lecture on astrophysics need not be shown in its entirety if the point you want to drive across is when the lecturer falls from his seat at the very end of the video. Video editing allows the filmmaker to make do with unnecessary scenes or to adjust the sound so the essential audio is not drowned by outside noise.
Video editing also allows the filmmaker to create narrative. By artistically cutting and splicing images together, one can create a coherent story medium. Add to this the ability to insert filters and creative transitions, any film footage can have a smooth quality.
photo credit: thedirectory.org.uk
We have different types of video editing software that are based on what type of user are you: Are you a beginner, intermediate or a professional?
For the beginners, it is suggested that you use Roxio Video Wave. Based on reviews by various video editing websites and magazines, Roxie Video Wave is an outstanding package that is built in an automated approach to video movie creation. It is user-friendly and is easy to navigate. If you want to save hours of video editing time and transform home videos into movies on DVD or CD, you better choose this Roxie Video Wave software.
If youre planning to buy a video editing package, you must first consider your budget. If youre a beginner in video editing, it is preferred that you practice first with cheaper software like Pinnacle Studio Plus or Roxio Video Web. I know that youve been hearing about the powerful capabilities of Adobe Premiere Pro, but beginners will not be able to adapt easily with this environment. They still have to learn more on the terms and the uses of each option. Cheaper packages are available and I can assure you that they can perform your basic video editing needs. You can upgrade your software as you develop your skills.
Like various puzzle pieces, the different elements of a video all work together to create a beautiful whole. We’ve already talked about transitions and music, and the dialogue is a third component that deserves the spotlight. Powerful lines – whether spoken or given as subtitles – can easily make a video remarkably memorable.
Photo credits: Vangelis Thomaidis
Gone are the days when only Hollywood directors can make good movies. With the advent of cheap and reliable technology, anyone can make their own films. Whether you want to capture precious moments for the whole family to watch, or fancy yourself a budding filmmaker, there are software you can use to make give your movies that clean, professional look.
Video editing software need not be expensive either. Depending on the purpose of your film, there is sure to be a good editing software for you. Casual film makers might want to use VirtualDub or Free Video Dub, both are free for download. Being freeware, these software cater to the most basic of video editing needs such as cutting the footage, or noise reduction.
Commercial video editing software would be of better use to the more discerning filmmaker.
Photo credit: Daniel Bonjour
Music plays a vital role in our lives. For most people, different songs mean different things. We tend to associate certain songs with specific events or people. And even if you’re not the sentimental type, music has been known to stimulate creativity and set the mood for various situations.
In videos, music is just as essential. Watch any TV show or movie and you’ll know that. The songs, sound effects, and background music all contribute to the overall experience of any video. This is something you need to keep in mind when you’re editing your material. Do the songs you use help bring your message across?
Get some hint from famous shows and movies over at SoundtrackNet.
Photo credits: Sxc.hu
One of the most basic things you can do using a video editing program is to add transitions in between clips. True to its name, transitions create a gradual change from one scene to the next, avoiding abrupt cuts in the video unless of course, the editor does that on purpose.
There are a number of video transitions that are very useful when creating videos for different reasons. The most common – and possibly the most popular – is the fade in/out transition. This is when a scene fades out to a color (usually black) or to another scene as though it’s slowly disappearing right before your eyes.
It’s just one of many though. If you want to learn more about the different types of video transitions and the ways you can use them, you can visit Media College.com
Photo credits: Sxc.hu
By Aileen Banting
1. Keep what you need, rid of what you don’t need
Movie Maker provides you the chance to “manually capture” your video. This means you are given the decision of what parts of your tape you want to transfer digital video from your camcorder to your computer. This is helpful because it saves a lot of valuable hard drive space.
2. Split up!
Movie Makers gives you the option to “cut” your video clips in parts of halves. This process can clear away your chunks of junk films. Division of the two clips is done in two separate places within the program. Both in the preview monitor while working on the timeline. All you need to do is find the area you want to cut and click the “cut button” found under the preview monitor.
3. Get a trim
Ends of your clips can be trimmed in Movie Maker. This can set the precise “in and out” points of the video clip. By working the timeline, dragging the ends of each clip to exact points that you would like your video to start and stop is just that simple. And if you zoom in on each clip by using the magnifying glass, you can gain control of each clip and accomplish fine start and stop points to trim.