News And Updates

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

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

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.