Introduction
You’ve finished shooting a movie or a music video, or any video for that matters, and now it’s time to go on to the second half of the fight: post-production. Editing requires a balance of creativity and technical expertise, similar to filming a video.
Editing is indeed a difficult task because this ability is acquired. The best method to improve is to start editing. Video editing is one of the challenges that accompany video production. No one can afford to spend numerous working hours editing a video they have shot, knowing that they already have a lot of other work left on their plate. Even after many hours, the final product might not turn out the way it was supposed to.
Video editing is easier said than done; it’s not easy to become a top-notch video editor. However, with practice and patience, you’ll soon be editing like an expert. You can use an online video editor or any editor available at your disposal.
That is a difficult situation. So, if you’re looking for a way to streamline your video editing skills, you’ve come to the right place. This article will discuss the ways you can improve your video editing skills in simple steps. But first, we need to know why video editing is so essential in video making.
Why is video editing so important?
Video editing is crucial because it allows you to merge pictures and sounds in a way that makes the viewer feel emotionally linked to the video they are watching. Video editing is, without a doubt, one of the most significant aspects of video production.
Video editing is necessary because it ensures that your audience gets the right message and connects and engages with the video just how you intended it. Editing allows you the creative independence to turn a raw video into something that is meaningful to your business. The footage you shoot gets shaped into a story during editing. After rereading the initial script and trimming the material, it transforms into a clear and concise brand message.
Here are a few of the most significant strategies and techniques you can use to enhance your editing skills to boost your confidence as an editor and become more productive.
1. Work on a fast computer
Working on a high-performance computer will not necessarily make you a better video editor, but a quicker computer will allow you to devote more time to the story that you’re attempting to tell. Everyone has their own ideas of which device is the best for editing; however, your choice entirely depends on your particular preferences.
A faster storage drive (SSD) will allow you to work and access your files and video editor faster, as well as speed up the rendering, loading, and exporting processes. If you plan to edit professional or commercial videos, you will need at least 8 GB of computer memory (RAM). It is also advisable to purchase a video card or graphics processor to have a smooth editing experience.
2. Use keyboard shortcuts
One of the quickest ways to detect the difference between an expert and a novice is the amount of time spent on the keyboard. Editors with a lot of experience know that a few seconds saved here and there can build up into a repository of spare time.
So, if you’re still editing videos with your mouse, it’s time to switch to a keyboard. Video editing takes a long time. It’s also always advisable to utilize keyboard shortcuts to create an effective video in less time than usual.
Keyboard shortcuts not only save time in the editing process but also allow you to try out more options, resulting in a better-edited video. The majority of editing applications provide keyboard shortcuts for performing your desired modifications. Begin by working on a handful of the most basic shortcuts. Once you are used to these, move on to work out the others.
3. Color correcting your videos
Colour is a crucial design element that is utilized to bring attention to certain topics, evoke different emotions, or set the tone of a scene. Fortunately, the online editing platforms today include a wide range of colour correction tools. Each clip is changed and balanced by colour correction to understand the underlying image, with white appearing white and black appearing black.
You can go for the colour correction process as well as the colour grading process. Colour correction helps in making sure that the colours of the footage are consistent during every scene, while colour grading lends the shot a personalized look. Both are necessary when you want your scenes to appear as realistic as possible, or when you want to distinguish between different scenes.
4. Choose the right music
Don’t just concentrate on the graphics; music plays an equally essential influence on the outcome of your video. If you’re doing a film in the drama genre, for example, you might want to select the correct music track to elicit specific emotions from your audience. Initially, you can use any uncopyrighted music available on the internet for practice. Later on, when your knowledge grows, you can always upgrade to paid music subscriptions.
While we’re on the subject of music, another aspect to keep in mind is sound effects. Subtle crowd noises, background sound effects, and other elements give your audience the impression that they are part of the video. Your video or movie will appear more natural and fluid if you blend music and sound effects properly. In other words, select audio that complements your images and allows your viewers to have a fantastic experience.
5. Stabilization
A shaky film, in conjunction with poor audio, can be a death sentence for any project. As a result, it is critical to stabilize your video clip. Multiple plug-ins and tools, as well as a few editing effects, are all available in video editors, making it simple to align your video and adjust the intensity of the effect.
When editing short films or video productions, stabilizing your footage becomes even more vital. You can look for a range of powerful third-party plug-ins that will not only offer you a professional effect but will also give you a great video.
6. Don’t overuse effects
It is understandably appealing to use numerous effects and music while editing a video. With so many possibilities and tools available, experimenting is no doubt a kind of self-improvement. But, as always, too much of a good thing can make you sick.
You might believe that adding extra effects to your video will only enhance its quality. But this isn’t always the case! Overusing these effects can distract your viewers, and they may lose interest in the video. Excessive usage of transition effects is also not a good idea, as the video may appear distorted and overblown.
7. Be a storyteller
Audiences enjoy stories because they are easy to recall. A visually engaging video has a longer-lasting impact on the audience’s mind than a narrative video. So, edit the video not just as an editor but also as a storyteller.
Remember that you’re not just reducing the excess material; you’re putting together a series of clips that will eventually evolve into a compelling story. Without a doubt, the proper blend of emotions combined with a clear message produces a lasting impression on your viewers.
So, take advantage of this opportunity to make your video visually appealing and dramatic to elicit the right emotions and, of course, deliver the desired message.
Wrap-up
The more you practice, the better your outcomes. You will eventually become acclimated to the logic and strategies of video editing as you continue to edit.
Of course, shooting stunning videos or films does not necessitate the use of a sophisticated device or high-end equipment. You can even use your phone to film one and practice your editing skills. You’ll be able to make a professional-looking, high-quality video for any occasion.
Remember, it’s about both: how good you become as a video editor and how creative you can be. So, don’t hold back, be the storyteller you want to be and edit your videos to share with the world. Happy Editing!