What is Video Editing?
The Hidden Secret Behind Every Movie.
When most people hear the term ‘video editing,’ they immediately picture explosions and special effects, but the reality is very different. Video editing refers to the post-production process in which an editor cuts a film or video. It is the job of the editor to take the raw footage and organize it to create a coherent, paced, and seamless final product. In fact, film editors strive to be unnoticed. Abrupt or amateur cuts can hurt a video’s impact. While most editors no longer work with physical rolls of film, the process is more important than ever. The order, length, and angles selected by the editor have a vast impact on the final video.
How to begin Video Editing.
Many beginners wonder how to edit their videos professionally, and the best answer is practice. Luckily, in the digital age of the 21st Century, there are thousands of free resources to begin the journey as a video editor. Free software for video editing includes iMovie, OpenShot, Windows Movie Maker, and Davinci Resolve. Before filming and editing, it is important to watch movies and television shows to gain an understanding of the pacing and cuts. For example, an action sequence might have more shots chopped together with rough cuts, whereas an intense conversation or romantic scene might have fewer cuts and smoother pacing. After cutting the project, as a solo video editor, one might also add transitions, titles, and adjust the exposure and color of the video. While these extra adjustments can enhance the final product, the true skill and strength of a video editor lies in the cutting and pacing of the video. With some practice and experience, video editors can transform disjointed footage into a beautiful work of art.