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In the last three issues, we spoke about
conceptualizing the video, writing the script and sizing shots.
Our next task now is to review the tape, and decide on the scenes
you want to keep, remove or trim - i.e. editing your video.
The stages of video conceptualising, planning, shooting and
script writing could have taken possibly weeks, or even months,
of hard work. You’re close to the finished product now
- after a round of video editing.
Choosing Editing Software And Harware
There are plenty of video editing software and hardware to choose
from. In fact, video editing tools could already be pre-installed
in your computer, ready for use. For instance, there is Windows
Movie Maker in your PC or, if you are using a Mac computer,
there is iMovie.
Another option is the free software that is readily available
on the internet. www.avid.com/freedv
has an excellent video editing software that is based on the
professional industry standard Avid Media Composer.
Almost all movies are edited on the Avid platform,
which makes it a powerful tool to use.
However, do note that casual or first-time users may find it
tough to master the software and fully exploit its varied functions.
To help users to grasp at least the basics, Avid has
made available a package of tutorials that guide users through
the entire editing process.
Most likely, you will find the Windows Movie Maker
and iMovie video editors more straightforward to use.
Most settings and options have already been preconfigured, leaving
little room for user modifications.
Moving From Camera to PC
As with all editing software, the first requirement is to transfer
the captured video footage from tape to computer. All video
cameras have a DV port that can be connected to the computer
for video file transfer. This DV port is named firewire
(Mac), ieee1394a (PC), or i.Link (Sony) port.
Having connected camera to computer, the Operating System will
be able to recognise the camera input and the videos can be
digitised into the computer. However, do note that every hour
of video footage will take about 13GB of hard disk space, so
do ensure that there is enough hard disk space in your computer
to contain all the footage that you have put on tape.
Delivery Matters
Method of delivery should now be considered, that is, whether
the video is to be shown online, distributed on DVDs, VCDs or
tape. Consider also the purpose of the video - whether it is
to be submitted as an entry for competitions, played during
assembly or used in class. As with the discussion on concepts
in the first article of this video production series, if it
is a teaching video, worksheets, sample lesson plans and other
resources need to be created and used together with the video.
Re-visit the e-video website at www.evideo.edu.sg/contributions.html
and look at the videos done by teachers and look at their lesson
plans. If you are planning to put your video online, check with
your Technical Assistant on server requirements and the kind
of video formats that can be played back, e.g. Windows Media
Video (WMV). To see how your videos rate with other productions,
join competitions like the Schools
Video Awards.
Now that you have produced your own video, do share them with
your colleagues. Invite feedback and see what improvements can
be made. There is always room to make your next video even more
engaging and fun than the previous one!
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