I learned how to edit video as a senior in high school in a vocational tech class for television production. This is an important skill for me to develop for my future career in broadcast journalism. I've been editing for class and recently for a second job with wedding videos. It's definitely a creative endeavor that I enjoy. One can get very creative with shots, effects, and many other things. The world is your oyster when it comes to editing! But, of course, there are a few problems that only video editors would understand...problems of which I have become familiar with.
1. Which Program To Use
There are so many programs to choose from, and there is something for everyone, from beginner to expert, from Cyberlink to Premiere Pro and even Final Cut Pro.
2. When The Program Is Being Slow
Anyone has this problem when using a computer, but it becomes a nuisance (and a heart stopping experience) when editing an hour long video that could be effected at any time.
3. When The Editing Program Freezes
The anxiety felt at this time is equal to a panic attack.
4. When You Screw Something Up
Whether it's clipping audio too soon or cutting off something important in a video, always thank God for the undo button. It saves.
5. So Many Options
There are many options in each program, whether it's filters, templates, sounds, credits, titles or transitions.
6. So Much Work
Editing video is a very time consuming hobby (or job). Videos that are an hour or so long can take days to complete. This doesn't include shutting yourself away from the world on your days off to edit in order to get the finished product out in time.
7. Many Emotions Are Part Of It
Editing is a very emotional experience. One minute, you're excited because of some perfect timing in the video and audio. The next minute, you're angry and having a fit because the program crashes and your unsaved work is damaged.
8. "Ah" Moments
There's always that excitement, followed by the duh or ah moments, when learning how to work a new program or even when discovering something on a program you've been using for a year.
9. Creative "Hacks"
There's a trick for everything, it seems like. For example, a creative hack I am very familiar with is one to get free music. If there's a certain song you like that is by an artist (given that you have permission or you credit the artist), copy the URL from the YouTube video, then paste it into the bar on http://youtube-mp3.org and it will convert it for you. Then, simply hit download. You're welcome.
But, the most positive thing about video editing also comes to mind...
10. Creative Power
Video editing is an art form and you can really express yourself and create a moving piece of art for you and other people to enjoy. Humans are very visual creatures, and if it moves, then it's automatically better. This is why many people enjoy movies or TV shows. Video can teach, and even entertain. So, go for that hilarious movie you want to create, or for that powerful documentary about an issue that needs awareness. Use those powerful close ups of emotion for that news story about a tragic event in the community in order to show the effect. Editing is a lot of work, but it is so worth it in the end when you have a video to watch, share and be completely proud of.
