Video Editing 101

Getting video on the timline

After spending hours behind the camera trying to figuring out what to shoot, you can finally start to edit what you have worked so hard to get. The photo below shows a basic video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5). On the left of the photo shows what's called the "Project Bin," or in other words the place you will be keeping all the files you're working with.




To the right of the Project Bin you'll see two video screens. The one on the left is called the "Trimmer" and does what is sounds like...trimming the video (or cropping). It is also used for adding effects etc. The screen on the right displays whatever is on the "Timline" (the large rectangle at the bottom). Lets look at an example. First, you need to import some video. To do this you need to go File -> Import. Once you've found and selected your video it will appear in the Project Bin (see picture below).



After importing your video file you'll need to put it in the Timeline to edit. This next photo shows what happens when I click and drag the video file onto the Timeline.



Now that the video is on the Timeline its ready to edit. Click and drag the "time indicator" to roughly view the file or push play to play it through.

Adding titles is different in every editing program. The software you are now using may and probably will be different than Premiere Pro. But since that's what I'm using we'll take a look at that. Yours should be similar.

First, go to File -> New -> Title. A title box will appear viewing the frame your time indicator is on. Click anywhere in the monitor and start typing. I typed "John's Wedding."



Here you can also change the font's color, size, if you want shadows, or other effects too. Once you save this title you can put it onto the Timeline above the first video you put in. Being on top will help you organize you video tracks.



Now you're ready to apply effects, crop, add/remove or balance color, and much more. Stay tuned to this blog for more editing help. If you have any questions at all leave a comment and I would be happy to answer them.