Editing Principles Intro to Video

Editing  3 rd and final stage of production.  Video and audio segments are given structure and meaning.  Chance to clarify and intensify your message.

NLE Editing  Basic Principle: File/Data Management  Video files are not moved from where they are stored on the computer/hard drive.  The NLE system simply tells the computer the order in which to play back the clips and where to find the source file.

Phase 1: Capture  This consists of transferring the content of the source media to the hard drive of the NLE computer.  Source Media: Videotape, hard drives, memory cards, cameras/camcorders or discs.

Phase 2: Editing  File Identification  Shot Selection  Sequencing  Transitions  Effects

NLE Systems (Interface)  Project Panel – Holds video and audio clips  Source Monitor: Shows selected source clip  Record/Program Monitor: Shows edited sequence  Timeline: Master map of the editing process  Video Track  Audio Track

Editing Principles  Functions:  Combine: Simplest kind of edit, combining segments of video to be in chronological sequence on a single tape.  Condense: To reduce the overall length.  Correct: To fix mistakes, this is time consuming and difficult.  Build: Building a show from many carefully recorded shots. “Careful attention to preproduction and production details can alleviate most corrective editing”

Aesthetic Principles  Continuity Editing : Creating seamless transitions from one event detail to the next so that the story flows  Mental Map: Screen positioning  Preserving the location and the motion of objects over a series of shots to help the viewer establish and maintain a mental map of where things should be…

Cutting  Telling the story, it is said, there are three films/videos, the one that’s been scripted, the ones that’s been directed, and the one that’s been edited.  Make notes, shape the story.  Cut tight, follow the 180 degree rule

Types of Cuts  Match Cut  Description : Combining two shots of differing angle and composition so that the action continues from one to the other in the same time and place.  Example:

Types of Cuts  Jump Cut  Description : Combining two shots that are similar so that the subject jumps from one part of the screen to another. Example:

Types of Cuts  Cutaway  Description : Shows object, close up detail or person observing action. Subject is not seen in shots edited before or after cutaway. Example:

Summary  3 rd and Final Stage in Production  NLE is Data Management  Editing Techniques and rules  Principles to help story continuity, suspense, and meaning.