Create killer videos at the editing desk!

A lot can happen at the editing table. Most newbie video editors make the mistake of adding too many effects and transitions, and, make their videos jarring. Simply splicing and joining footage on the other hand, can bore viewers.

So what’s the middle path? There is no set in stone formula. But these simple video editing tips and tricks can make your videos look like they were edited by a pro.

A few rules the pros follow…

Before you begin editing start with the basics, the three Cs of editing are, combine, cut, and correct. Combining involves assembling your footage in a logical order. Cut out unwanted shots and start with the top and tail technique. Edit out the extra footage at the beginning and end of your video. There are several tools, available, thankfully, for correcting flaws.

There are dozens of free video editors. Download one and begin by editing a small portion of your video.

Use your timeline…

View your video once and arrange shots in logical order in your timeline. Edit out repeat shots, unwanted footage and excessive B roll. There are two things that matter the most. The narrative flow and the pace of your video… Make sure both are consistent. Conduct several edits. And remember to duplicate your timeline, to ensure that your first edit is safely saved.

Smoothing out the edges!

Apply transitions that aren’t too drastic. A smooth fade in fade out would do for most shots. Use wipes only for wedding videos, they look tacky on anything else! Apply fades at the beginning or end of each shot. Use b roll cuts between shots when there is a change in perspective.

If you shot using a multi-cam set up, use shots that are looking at the subject from different angles. There should at least be a 45 degree difference. Anything less is much too similar to the preceding shot.

To, minimize video editing  jolts…

Editing that is glaringly evident can distract viewers. Cut when the person in the video is in motion. It will make the cut look more natural. Look for elements that are visually similar. It could be the background, tone or object. When you cut from one visually similar element to another, it gives the viewer an instant connect. Don’t use transition effects that are very obvious. As said earlier, a gentle fade in and out, would do.

All done?!

Your editing doesn’t end the minute your video looks like a cohesive whole. Standardize your audio. Clean up and trim your audio track. Color correct your shots for an even tone. Simple color correction options are available in all video editing softwares. Use a video editor like the iMovie editor that has an audio editing option, to make simultaneous edits.