Editing Elements: The Visuals
It really goes without saying that blogging more consistently will be one of our resolutions moving into 2023. However, we are back this week and focusing on the world of video editing. Last month we talked a lot about shooting video with a mobile device and even shared some equipment recommendations on social media. We’re shifting our focus this month, though, to what is required after all the filming is over and you’re left compiling all the pieces. This will be a two-part series, and this week we’re going to focus on the visual aspects of a video project.
When we’re focusing on visual elements, the main part of that is the footage. So, below, we’re going to discuss the different parts of editing the footage itself as well as visual elements that can aid in the storytelling process. We are skipping over some VFX information, but only because we normally don’t encounter heavy special effects with the type of videos we create and are talking about here. As always, though, the tone and purpose of your video determines a lot about how it’s edited.
Trimming & Sequencing
The most basic part of video editing boils down to reviewing all your footage (which can take quite a while depending on the project), trimming video clips and placing them in a sequence that makes sense for the content of the video. Sometimes videos will be more linear in nature, and for other videos, it might require more cuts and creativity in its layout.
The goal is always the same, though: to create a cohesive video that best communicates its content.
Color Correction & Grading
Another visual aspect of editing falls to the color correction and color grading process. In a perfect world, there’s little to adjust here because you were able to shoot in your indoor or outdoor location with an appropriate amount of lighting. However, we all know that is not always the case.
Depending on the factors of where you were shooting, some videos might require a fair amount of color correction. With color correction, we’re talking about fixing color issues and trying to make your footage look as clean and natural as possible. Color grading may also be required because of these factors, but it also might be needed with the tone you’re trying to set with your video. With color grading, we’re talking about altering the color qualities of your footage. So, this includes adjustments to the contrast, sharpness, white balancing, saturation and more.
Transitions
Transitions are needed to connect one shot to the next. For most movie-related projects, you’ll find a cut is the most common transition. However, for videos for social media or presentations, this is not always the case. Dissolves, fades-ins, or fades-outs are common and are pleasing to the eye because they’re not abrupt. However, sometimes a stylistic transition can work with the tone of your video.
Text
Not all videos will require text, but often for informational videos, it can help to include highlighted points on screen as they are being stated. It also might be a good idea to include contact information on screen if the speaker in the video is sharing it. Few people are merely auditory learners, so a visual cue through text can be helpful.
Also, for social media videos, a lot of people choose to watch videos without sound. So, while some apps allow you to add closed-captioning in the uploading process, it also might help to do it yourself during the editing process.
Logos/Additions
If you’re making a feature length film or a short film, then this visual aspect doesn’t really apply. In this case, you’ll have a branded intro for the production companies and a titling package.
This part is mostly for those of us who are editing for clients or editing video for social media. With presentations or informational videos, then your branded content will probably need a logo somewhere on the video throughout it. As for additions, we mainly mean other graphics. If it is a presentation or something the person in the video is referencing, you might have to layer a photo or graphic into the footage.
Tips When Editing:
-Keep it short if you can. This is especially true for informational videos and videos for social media.
-When using logos, we recommend placing them in either the upper left hand or upper right hand corners. This keeps them from being a distraction while still branding the material.
-Don’t use abrupt or stylistic transitions unless it directly contributes something to the video. Otherwise, it might be jarring to your audience.
-When using text on your video, choose a font that is easy to read.
-If overwhelmed by a project, don’t be afraid to step back for a short time. Coming back to something with fresh eyes can help in making the best editing decisions.
So, do you have to edit videos with any consistency? If so, which parts of the editing process do you enjoy most?
We want to know, so feel free to leave us a comment below. Stay tuned to the blog throughout the rest of the year as we tackle more video-oriented topics. Also, if you are in need of video editing for a project, check out how we can help here.