Video Editing: Planning and Implementing

1. Before you begin:
   
   1. Idea
      
      1. This is important. A good idea is fairly easy to implement and follow.
         
      2. You might actually want to write this down so you don’t lose track of the big picture.
         
   2. Plan
      
      1. The better you plan the less time the whole project will take. This is true in life in general but it is doubly so in video editing.
         
      2. This is of vital importance. You should start with your idea and get into details. WRITE IT DOWN.
         
      3. Figure out what shots you’ll need, what environment the shots should be in.
         
      4. Do you need any special props or extra hands or expertise to help out?
         
      5. Do you need to use the “green wall” to achieve the effect that you want.
         
      6. Do you have a preset idea of what you want to say or are you just filming something that is happening spontaneously.
         
         1. If you are planning what to say, write a “script” that you can follow and be sure you don’t forget anything. This way you can also do a take a couple of time in case something goes wrong.
            
      7. What are you going to wear?
         
      8. How much time will it take to film? It will take longer than you think, allow for it.
         
      9. Sound
         
         1. Will you need special sound effects, if so what are they and where will you get them.
            
         2. Music- think about you music carefully. If it is important to the film it is important to keep it in mind from the start.
            
         3. Are you going to use the sound from the video? If you are make sure that the camera is picking it up well enough. You might need a mic or some other plan of attack.
            
      10. Other things specific to your situation must be thought out and planned for.
          **Always take more film on the beginning and end of every take than you need. It will make editing easier.
          **Try to stand or whatever for a few seconds before and after every clip. Give yourself a little extra tape to play with.
          
   3. Unedited video
      
      1. Once you have written a great plan and implemented it you will have an unedited video with much more than you’ll actually need.
         
      2. Make sure you set aside a large block of time for the video editing itself.
         **Remember that to edit a tape will take at least 2-3 hours longer to edit than it is long. Video editing is not a fast process!
         
      3. Remember to bring everything you need at one time.
         
         1. Music or sounds
            
         2. Video tape
            
         3. Written plan
            
         4. Any scripting for voiceovers that you may want to add.
            
         5. Any scripting for text, i.e. titles, credits, etc. that you may want to add.

©Christi Boggs 2002