VIDEO PRODUCTION

STORYBOARDING

 

 

VIDEO EDITING TERMINOLOGY

 

VIDEO FILES

 

A video file is a single file that contains video and audio.  Such files are easily viewed in many video viewers and online.  They can also easily be shared with others.

 

VIDEO FILE FORMATS

 

When a video camera captures a video, it is in one of many video file formats.  Common formats include:

  • MP4
  • AVI
  • MPG
  • MOV
  • WMV
  • FLV
  • MKV

 

PROJECT FILES

 

When putting a new video together in a video editor, we work inside a project file.  This file keeps track of how to incorporate different other files (video, audio & images) together.  This includes keeping track of different effects and transitions used. 

 

A project file allows you to easily make changes to your video.  It technically also allows you to preview the video – but that’s not its purpose.

 

Each video editing software has its own project file format.  For example, OpenShot uses .OSP, Final Cut Pro used .FCP and Adobe Premiere Elements uses .PREL files.

 

The project file itself usually does not include all of the original footage that you use in it.  Therefore, if you wanted to share the project file with other people, you would need to share the file and all other video, audio and image files you have used.  This is very inconvenient.  The solution is to convert your project file into a single video file (but then others couldn’t easily edit the video).

 

RENDERING OR EXPORTING

 

Rendering is the act of converting a project file into a single video file.  This is done one frame at a time.  The video file can then easily be viewed and shared.

 

Rendering is also at times called exporting or publishing.

 

One problem with rendering is that the generated video file usually is slightly lower in video quality than the original footage.  Also, rendering can be time consuming, so one must be prepared to wait.

 

VIDEO EDITING SOFTWARE

 

Below is a list of fairly well known video editing software.  These names will likely come up in class.

 

  • Open Shot – Free and open source.  Basic editing features.  Easy to use.
  • Davinci Resolve – Free and open source.  Challenging to learn.  Advanced features.
  • iMovie (MAC / iPhone) – Famously easy to use.  Basic editing features.
  • Final Cut Pro (MAC) – Must be purchases.  Advanced editing features.
  • Adobe Premiere (Windows) – Available free as a trial.  Advanced editing features.
  • Sony Vegas – Available free as a trial.  Advanced editing features.
  • Adobe After Effects – Must be purchased.  Excellent for special effects.  Expensive.

 

COMMON FEATURES TO ALL EDITING SOFTWARE

 

Most video editors have the following elements to them:

 

  • Viewer – To preview the video that you are working on.
  • Timeline – To add, remove and alter different elements into your video.
  • File Organizer – A location where you add all your footage before adding it to video project.
  • Effects Panel – A location where you can add effects and transitions to your video.
  • Menu bar – Location for extra features.
  • Other panels – Some editors provide panels for sharing and rendering videos.

 

WORK

 

Click here for a terminology worksheet.