Video Editing
By definition, video editing is the process by which video segments are rearranged or modified to form a new piece of video.
The goals of the process are the same as those for film editing or the deletion of unwanted footage, isolation of wanted footage and the arrangement of footage in time to provide an entirely new piece of footage.
Advanced technology enables modern video editing techniques
In the ‘60s and early ‘70s, video recorders were large and costly and most video editing was done with manual ‘cut and splice’ techniques on 2-inch videotape. The invention of the “flying erase head” in the late ‘70s changed these manual techniques into a modern approach where new video segments could be inserted into tape at the desired location without cutting or splicing. This was termed ‘linear editing’ and multiple sources were played back through a vision mixer to be mixed or keyed.
Today, linear video editing systems are done by computer. Footage is played into the computer and stored on a hard drive. Software such as Media Composer, Xpress Pro, Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere are used to automatically manipulate the captured footage saved on the hard drive. The same techniques and motion graphics programs are used to edit the very-newest high-definition (HD) video. Music, titles and graphics can be added as well and special effects created. DVD, web streaming, CD Rom, videotape, iPod or Quicktime Movies distributes the finished products.
Video editing software and expertise are available online
This is a ‘new era’ of personal video. Personal computers are everywhere and video-editing software has made it possible for people with good computer skills to use new software to create studio-quality videos from their home systems. All it takes is a decent video camera, motivation and the right video-editing software to make it happen. If personal expertise is lacking, there are numerous websites online that offer tips, suggestions and even some free software downloads to help you learn the ropes. For a reasonable price, you can even locate video editing professionals who will take your footage and create a great finished product for you. Many of these ‘experts’ are industry professionals who freelance their services to individuals and firms that buy outsource talent and expertise. If you wish, you can visit any of a number of websites where you can post your project and accept bids from interested providers.
Video editing software can be complicated
There is certainly no shortage of available software for video editing applications. Literally hundreds of packages are available. Some, however, have gained wide acceptance. Most professionals recommend a product such as Adobe Premiere because it is full-featured and has proven to be a well-respected program that gives you wonderful creative flexibility. It must be said, however, that learning to understand and use this package, will require some time, experience and perhaps consultation with someone already versed in the use of the program. Adobe Premiere does offer a free demo version that will run on both PCs and MACs.
