Video Editing : A Titillating Tickler on Titling (page 2)

Though built-in titlers are much more robust than just a few years ago, many filmmakers still prefer the level of detail that graphics programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator provide in the making of their titles. The most recent version of Adobe's Photoshop is designed with filmmakers in mind, with many new video functionalities, such as templates for different video formats and more video filters. In addition, many higher-end editing programs, such as Adobe's Premiere Pro 2.0 and Apple's Final Cut Pro 5.1, allow the different layers made in Photoshop to be imported as separate video layers which can be individually manipulated - a very nice feature.

There are two important issues to keep in mind when importing graphic files: first is the difference between non-square video pixels and square graphics pixels. There are ways to compensate for this conversion. Second is the need to export an alpha channel correctly so the title shows correctly over your video (see the sidebar Non-square Pixels and Alpha Channels).

Regardless of whether you import your titles or use the program that came with your editing software, there are some tricks to titling that you need to know:

• Avoid serif fonts. Sans serif fonts are usually much easier to read.
• Use the "title safe" guides that come with most editors (90% of the full frame for "action safe" and 80% of the full frame for "title safe").
• If your title is over video as opposed to a solid color, make sure the font colors don't clash or get lost in the colors of the video (also important with subtitles). Consider using a drop shadow to help separate the text from the image.
• Keep title sequences on the shorter side. A minute-long opening title sequence for a two-and-a-half-minute video is usually gratuitous, not to mention annoying.
• This may seem obvious, but we see this problem way too often: use spell check. Not all title creation software has spell check, so use a dictionary. Don't guess!
• Font choices and color combinations should most probably match the fonts and colors used in the interior of the work (e.g., lower thirds), DVD menu items and cover art.

Titles are important, whether you use them or opt to omit them. As they usually come at the very head of your video, they could set the tone for your work. Used correctly, they add to the overall video and audio in your project. One last bit of advice: check out what the pros are doing and see if you can learn something from them. For instance, the titles on the Star Wars series now have a 1970s look, but George Lucas kept the theme through the series for continuity. Some notable title sequences include Snatch (which imitated The Good, The Bad and the Ugly), Se7en, Fight Club, or any of the Flash-like graphics used in Monty Python films.

Contributing editor Morgan Paar is a nomadic producer, shooter and editor currently making documentaries in South America.

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