LESSON 04 – BASICS OF VIDEO EDITING

VIDEO FILE

A video file is a single file that contains video and audio. Such files are easily viewed and shared with others.

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

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

PROJECT FILE

When putting a new video together, 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 view the video – but that’s not its purpose.

Each video editing software has its own project file format. For example, Movie Maker uses MSWMM files 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.

RENDERING

Rendering is the act of converting a project file into a single video file. The video file can then easily be viewed and shared.

Rendering is also at time 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.

• Movie Maker – Easy to use. Available on all Windows PCs. Basic editing features.
• iMovie – Available with all MAC computers. Easy to use. Basic editing features.
• Adobe Premiere – 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

All video editors have the following elements to them:

• Viewer – To see the video that you are working on.
• Timeline – To add, remove and alter different elements into your video.
• 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.