If you are putting together video footage, we suggest iMovie - especially if you do not have much experience working with footage (found or created from scratch).
We also have DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro X in addition to iMovie on our iMacs in the Media Center
If you are just working with audio - we suggest Audacity or GarageBand programs.
Post production is where your footage comes together to become what you had envisioned. Here, you can edit your footage, arrange it to convey exactly what you want. This can be the most difficult step in the process because you need to have working knowledge of the programs that help you organize and solidify your production so far.
You have your raw footage (hopefully with handles!) and now it is time to put it in chronological order. Your A roll (main) and your B roll (supplementary) footage can now be honed to deliver your vision. Editing can take time. Making sure you footage is logical, clear and informative. is crucial to success for this project.
In the Media Center, we mainly use iMovie for the regular user and Da Vinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro X or Adobe Premiere Pro for the more advanced users.
The polished product you produce is something you can be proud of, so take your time and plan!
Organize your footage carefully before you start editing. Create a clear file structure and label your clips logically to save time during the editing process.
Plan your edit by creating an outline or shot list detailing the visual and audio elements for each scene. This will give you a roadmap to follow as you edit.
Trim your clips to keep only the essential parts that serve your story or message. Remove unnecessary pauses and redundant content to maintain viewer engagement.
Use a variety of shots and angles to keep your video visually interesting. Mix wide shots, medium shots, and close-ups to add depth and maintain viewer attention.
Apply appropriate transitions between scenes, but use them sparingly. Simple transitions like crossfades often work best for maintaining flow without distracting from the content.
Experiment with speed ramping to add dynamism to static shots. This technique can help draw attention to key moments in your video.
Incorporate sound effects to enhance the viewing experience and add depth to your project. They can make transitions smoother or emphasize important actions.
Take breaks and review your work with fresh eyes. This helps maintain perspective and can lead to better editing decisions.
Pay attention to audio editing. Adjust levels, add background music, or include voiceovers to enhance your video's overall quality.
Consider using templates or presets to save time and achieve a more professional look, especially for elements like titles or lower thirds.
Get feedback from others using specific language like "I like...", "I have...", or "I wonder..." to encourage constructive criticism.
Remember, the key to good editing is telling a compelling story. Focus on maintaining a smooth narrative flow and keeping your audience engaged throughout the video.
We use Quicktime Player for screen capture. It is found on all of the Apple computers in the Media Center. It can record a computer screen a selected window, a webcam or even just audio. It is very useful.
Zoom
The Media Center recommends Zoom for recording remotely. You must initiate the recording though on your end and it will save the video to your account to download after processing. As with any program, an external mic is preferred, so make sure that is set up in the program settings. The Media Center has higher end webcams if you need them as well as mics.
Google Meet and FaceTime are also ways to interview someone, but we prefer Zoom for the quality and control the ultimate product.
Audio! Please do not let your audio overtake the visual! This is a common mistake. Creators get excited about using popular music and fail to see the complete vision of the film. Keep in mind that copyright is the law - which may not matter too much for class projects, but in the real working world, you might save your employer from a lawsuit if you know the basics.
Clean up your audio by removing background noise, adjusting EQ settings, and normalizing audio levels.
If applicable, synchronize external audio with your video's audio track, using manual syncing or auto-sync features in your editing software.
Edit dialogue by removing unnecessary parts, enhancing clarity, and eliminating pops and clicks.
Add music and sound effects that match the tone and mood of your visuals, ensuring they don't overpower the dialogue.
Royalty Free Music Sources
(Always cite your sources!)
Partners in Rhyme - Music Loops
Keep detailed records of the audio sources you use, including licenses and permissions obtained.
When in doubt about the copyright status of a piece of audio, it's best to err on the side of caution and not use it.
If you're working on a commercial project, consider hiring a professional music supervisor who can handle licensing and ensure all audio use is legal.
