Anyone can record videos with a cell phone or camera these days. But how can you edit a video quickly and easily? Most amateur filmmakers fail when they get home to their computer. The spectacular recordings gather dust in some folder without being edited. But why? It's actually not that difficult to edit an unforgettable travel movie of your city trip to Amsterdam yourself. Here are 7 tips to help you create your own video.
Tip 1: Film carefully
Good video editing doesn't start at home in front of the computer, but already outside with the camera. It is important to film generously so that the raw material offers enough choice. You can leave the camera still and capture the same shot for several seconds. It is important that you always record a sequence until you are satisfied and only then press the stop button. This way, you will always find the good sections right at the end of the recordings on the computer and won't have an unnecessary number of files that are only four seconds long and half of which are unusable. Sounds logical, doesn't it?
Tip 2: Get an overview
Before you start editing video, it is important to get an overview of the recordings. However, this does not mean spending hours looking through video files. It is important to write down the recordings and roughly sort them - preferably by location or time so that you can find them more quickly when editing.
Tip 3: Choosing the right music
Slow music and fast images or vice versa? Both are wrong! Fast cuts and rapid camera movements should be supported by fast music. Nothing looks as inappropriate as a funny, cheerful scene with slow, emotional music. The music influences the image. It is therefore incredibly important that the choice of music matches the video footage. Attention: If you publish the film, it is important that you pay attention to the music license. But don't worry, there are several sites such as Musicbedthat offer music for public use.
Tip 4: Rough cut, then fine cut
A video edit should be divided into two work steps - the rough cut and the final cut. What does that mean? If you tinker with details right from the start, you lose far too much time. The first version is about establishing the sequence. The sequence and the story have to be right. At this stage, however, it doesn't matter whether the cut fits the music exactly. Only at the very end is it a matter of finalizing the length of the frames, turning the sound up or down and making colour corrections. We recommend Premiere Pro CC from Adobe, Apple Final Cut Pro 10 or Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve 17 as editing programs.
Tip 5: Varied perspectives
But how do you cut the images together so that the movie looks dynamic at the end? Different perspectives are the solution here. If a movie only consists of total shots, sooner or later your face will fall asleep. That may be harsh to say, but that's the way it is. Detail shots of the face, hands or exciting objects are what make a good movie - they create suspense. You should find a good mix and play with the perspectives. Far, close, from above, from below, from behind, from the front - it's the variety that makes the difference. Ideally, you should use different cameras, such as a drone for aerial shots and a GoPro that can be easily attached anywhere.
Tip 6: Appropriate transitions
Transitions in videos work according to the principle: less is more! There is nothing more amateurish than using different transitions for every scene. The most important thing in a video is the content - the transitions should not distract from it. Incorporating a fancy video transition every now and then is totally okay, but you should always ask yourself the question: Why am I using the transition effect? Does it fit the scene, does it add value or does it make the movie more interesting? If you include too many special transitions, the video will look hectic and artificial. The viewer should feel comfortable and be able to concentrate fully on the message.
Tip 7: Practice makes perfect
One thing must not be forgotten: All beginnings are difficult. As with everything, you only get better and faster with experience. And by the way, it always helps to be inspired by other videos and watch films more consciously. How are other videos edited, what kind of music is used, what perspectives and transitions are used? Learning from others and from yourself is the best recipe.
Here you can see our Anina's personal travel video from her last vacation in Greece - filmed and edited by herself. Maybe it will motivate you to make your own video on your next vacation and have a go at editing. Just give it a try!
Generally interested in videos and content production?
In our PR seminar we not only help you to become a real media professional, but also reveal the latest tips and tricks on the question of "How do I produce text, photos and films for my channels and media?".
Further information and registration at: www.ferrisbuehler.com/pr-seminar/.