Lessons
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1. Preproduction v
vp1-0. Opening
vp1-1. Five skills
vp1-2. Writing
vp1-3. Keeping track
vp1-4. First impression
vp1-5. Successful scouting
vp1-6. Words of wisdom
vp1-7. Conclusion

2. Production
vp2-0. Opening
vp2-1. Five production skills
vp2-2. Pep talk
vp2-3. Lighting
vp2-4. Camera
vp2-5. Sound
vp2-6. Words of wisdom
vp2-7. Closing

3. Postproduction
vp3-0. Opening
vp3-1. Five skills
vp3-2. Editing
vp3-3. Grading and graphics
vp3-4. Sound
vp3-5. Speaking
vp3-6. Words of wisdom

4. Equipment
4-0. Opening
4-1. Camera
4-2. Tripod
4-3. Sound
4-4. Lighting
4-5. Editing
4-6. Packing
4-7. Closing

​

Lesson

vp3-2. Editing​

Introduction
Here comes some hard-core learning because editing is video storytelling. You have your story concept, your script, and your shots. Now we put them together. Likewise, now we find out what is missing, done wrong, and needs to be redone.

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What you will learn
We cover a big part of what takes place "after" you shot your video. It is all part of "postproduction." Your video will unlikely be complete without it.

Now you will learn the meaning of 'fixing it in post.' We will also be making a rough cut and a rough narration. We will cover the importance of the 'three-shot combo' and say goodbye to the job of 'encoding.'


Fix it in Post
There is an old filmmaker's joke emblazoned on T-shirts, "That's okay; we can fix it in post." This means no need to worry about sloppy work during production because the crew will take care of it in postproduction.

That is false because editing software has never been easier to use. That includes fixing audio and video. Motion graphics software can help too. I highly recommend learning the basics. Besides, motion graphics are fun. It's where you can create movie magic.


The Rough Cut 
'The rough cut' means laying down the rough order of images in the timeline.

We assume you have already created a new library and captured your video, meaning you imported it from your camera. You are in luck if you use a mobile phone with video capabilities. It is already there.

On big projects where you shoot a lot of footage, it is a good idea to rename all your shots, so they are easy to find. On smaller projects, this may not be necessary. Use your rough story outline and rough shot list to match them.

Trim each clip to about 5-10 seconds each. You can expand or contract them later as needed. This will make it easier to see all your shots laid out. Add them to the timeline. That's one way to make a rough cut.


The Rough Narration
A rough narration means you might record your voice as the narration to get a sense of where to make the edits and what shots you might still need to add. Here, you can match the image with the narration and see how long each clip will likely become.

Record the narration any way you can. It is only there now as a guide, so don't worry about sound quality. This audio track will give you a good idea of your needed images. Match the images and the audio and cut out the audio mistakes.

You will probably need to change your text and rerecord parts of your narration. This is normal. And for sure, you'll notice missing shots that you'll need to go out and get. Just keep working on it.

The narration will also give you a good idea of how long each clip should be. And where you might want to add music or additional ambient sounds.

You will be redoing this narration a few times. Remember, it's just a rough guide. Focus on your original theme. Let the story be your guide.


Three Shot Combo
Editing is about three-shot combinations. You are showing the one you want and including what came before and after. Selecting a good 'after' shot will make you a good editor. And a good cameraman.


Encoding
This guy once had an essential technical job as a video encoder. He could encode different outputs for all kinds of devices. This job is called 'sharing,' and there are few places where it is still a job. Now, it is just a click.


Conclusion
We learned that to edit your movie, start with large rough clips and then whittle them down, working the storyline while adjusting the images and the script.