Computer Editing: 5 Phases of Editing
Computer-based video editing seems cursed with enough tools for a Sears hardware department and a learning curve steeper than Everest. To cope with this complexity, most of us plod through half a tutorial, read random bits of a manual, futz with a few simple projects, and basically fool around, while our expertise grows like moss on a tree trunk, though not quite that fast.
To speed things up, we need to cut our way out of the trees, climb that hill over there, and look down on the whole forest. From this perspective we can see that the tangled thickets of post production in fact have a design, an evident pattern of operations. Post production falls into five major phases: organizing, assembling, enhancing, synthesizing and archiving. By understanding this work flow, we can flatten the learning curve and get a grip on the whole post-production process.
As we do this, keep two major footnotes in mind:
For simplicity, we'll pretend that you complete each phase in order, before progressing to the next one. In real-world editing, you may be working in several phases at once.
Though the five phases of post production are more obvious in hard drive-based editing, they're relevant to tape-based linear cutting as well.
With the fine print out of the way, let's start with phase one: organizing.<…
To View This Article
Start Your Free Trial Plus Membership
Why Become a Plus Member?
As a Plus Member, you'll enjoy:
- Exclusive access to 1,000s of articles, tips, and videos
- Unlimited access to Videomaker Tips & Tricks video series
- Special contests and monthly drawings
- Members only eLetters
- Early online access to the current issue of Videomaker Magazine
- Members only discounts on Videomaker merchandise and more
- Priority status at Videomaker events
- The Expert Hotline: direct email access to our editors. Get answers to questions about any video subject
Comments
You must be logged in to comment. Click here to login
Related Content
Special Effects Tutorial - Creating Fire with Software (VOD)
Videomaker's Favorite Green Screen Effects (VOD)
Tutorials - How to Make Better Titles Using Lens Flares, Motion Tracking, and Other Effects
Tutorials - Animating Titles Using Keyframes
Tutorials - Using Design Elements to Make Better Titles and Graphics
Tutorials - How To Make Titles and Bugs that Help Market your Company or Business
Tutorials - How to Create Company Logos for Promotions
Tutorials - Designing Lower Thirds that Add Interest to Your Video
Latest Videos
How to Organize a Shoot
-
How to Cast a Video Production
Here we show you how to bring your characters to life by casting the best talent you can for your production. We show you where to look for actors, and walk you … -
How to Break Down a Script
In this segment learn how to discover the story and the characters of your next production. -
How to Get Rid of Unwanted Objects in Footage
In this training video we look at how to use object removal techniques such as scaling and cropping, chroma keying, or motion tracking.
Video Forums
-
Sony Vegas Pro 10 - audio does not sync after using slow-mo velocity envelope
Feb 13
-
Speech editing
Feb 13
-
Tripod, fluid head, and zoom lens controller, recommendations for Canon XA10
Feb 13
-
Best camcorder less than $2K
Feb 13
-
Turning off the REC indicator
Feb 13
-
Seeking thoughts on the AG-HVX200A Camera
Feb 13
-
Charge for travel?
Feb 13
-
Help me choose a mic.
Feb 13
-
Superhero Themed Series - Test Footage
Feb 13
-
3 minute short - I Need Green Screen Tips?
Feb 13
Video News Blog
-
Back to the Future 4? Do We Want to go Back with a Sequel?
Feb 10
-
Weird Weddings Challenge Even Pro Videographers
Feb 9
-
Cut Video with the Basic Editing Webinar, Feb. 22
Feb 9
-
DSLRs' Audio Limitations: Azden's Newest Mixer May Be the Ticket
Feb 8
-
Enter the D800 - Nikon DSLR
Feb 7
-
We're Living in a Golden Age of Video Production
Feb 6
-
Videomaker Workshops for February 24-26
Feb 3
-
Editing Avid on an iPad - Imagine the Possibilities!
Feb 3
-
Webinar Wednesday Presents: The Art of Titles and Graphics
Feb 2
-
Four Fair Use Factors for Video
Feb 2
Connect with Videomaker
Videomaker eNews
Videomaker eNews contains industry news and informative articles about video-related products, tips & techniques, special offers, events information and exclusive discounts. And now, sign up to receive Videomaker eNews and download Editing Dirty Little Tricks free! Learn the Band-Aid-type fix-it solutions the pros use.
