Post-production

Post-production is the stage after you have done your primary shooting.

Transcribing: If you are doing a news or documentary-style video, you need to transcribe your interviews. This can be done by starting and stopping the tape deck and either handwriting or preferably typing out word-for-word what was said. Some people transcribe everything; others only transcribe only what they think they will use in the final video.

Logging: All your footage needs to be logged (by hand or computer) with the starting time code, (the specific number recorded onto each frame of your video though not seen on your shots) and a description of the shot. This is a very important step because you don’t want to be hunting for the shots you need in the editing process. Remember, video is more about perspiration than inspiration.

Scripting: If you are doing a dramatic video, you will probably write your script before you shoot the video. However, with many other types of videos, you actually write your script later, weaving narration and clips from interviews together into a cohesive script that tells a story. It is helpful to create 2 columns in your word processing program. Put everything the audience will hear in the right column (Audio) and everything the audience will see (Video) in the left column.

Find other elements: You must locate non-copyrighted music, graphics, titles, and other elements you need to complete your video.

Editing: Once you sit down with your computer editing software to put your video together, you should have a very good idea what it’s going to look like, though you will probably also make changes along the way.

Pacing: Pay attention to how long you hold shots in your program. (You can get a good idea of natural pacing by watching a lot of other TV and video programs.) Use fast cutting to create excitement or tension. Use slow dissolves for emotional and slower programs. Like all the other elements that make up your video, the pacing and transitions you choose should contribute to the story you tell. Don’t use effects just because they are in the computer! They should be natural, appropriate, and not draw attention to themselves. In the end, you want your audience to understand your story and not be impressed with your effects.

Following these simple steps can dramatically improve your video productions and help you make visual communication pieces that are creative, effective, and well done.

What is timecode?

How fast or slow you edit video is called pacing. Here are some short examples on how slow or fast editing can affect your video: