2. We edit with the components of video production:
(a) Text/titles.
(b) Narration/voiceover
(c) Visuals/graphics
(d) Interviews/testimonials
(e) Music
(f) Natural sound/sound-on-tape
(g) Transitions
3. We edit moving images in a timeline; there should be changes of tempo.
4. The traditional television news story was told in a W format - start with the strongest image - fill in detail - come back strong in the middle - fill in detail - and finish with a strong image.
5. Tell a story with a beginning, middle and end.
NOTE:Both audio and video cannot be inserted in the middle of an already recorder video. The video/audio will break up when the copying is completed. You'll see snow. If you want to add your voice (or music) while the tape is being recorded, connect your vcr audio out and camcorder audio in to a mic/audio mixer. Radio Shack has a good one for less than $200.
1.Connect audio/video cables from audio/video out on the source deck to the inputs of the camcorder. Where one unit has stereo (left and right audio tracks) and the other is mono (one audio track), you'll need a Y adaptor. The Sony inputs/outputs are the same; the machine automatically to input when it detects the signals.
4.Play the tape in the source deck until you find the point where you want the audio/video dub to begin.
5.Press PAUSE/STILL.
6.Play the tape in the camcorder until you find the point where you want the audio/video dub to begin.
7.Press PAUSE/STILL.
8.Press PLAY and RECORD at the same time on the camcorder.
9.At the same time on both the source deck and the camcorder, press PAUSE/STILL.
10.Press PAUSE/STILL on the camcorder when the audio/video dubbing is complete.
11.If you plan to add another segment, don't cut too close to the final words/action.
12.Press STOP.
(Some machines have synchro-edit connections so you can control pause of both units with one wired remote. The Sony has a LANC terminal which means it can be controlled by computer software or relatively inexpensive editing controllers, such as the Videonics Thumbs-Up.)
At any rate, the elements you'll be working with include visuals; original sound-on-tape; music and natural sound, text/titles, and additional narration.
One way of approaching the editing process is to first perform a "paper edit" - watch your tapes (use a stopwatch or VCR counter) and decide what you want to keep and in what sequence.
Secondly, using two VCRs or an editing suite, you can perform a rough edit where you separate what you want to keep from the total material shot. Using this procedure, you still retain the original tape for future editing. The rough edit is only to help you "boil down" your original material.
Finally, you can put together the finished video by editing together the shots in sequence, adding music, narration, additional sound and text.
Using a computer for "non-linear" editing is similar to using word processing software. You can delete or move around material after you make your first rough draft. Copy, cut and paste commands are integrated with video and audio editing software.
Editing with a computer is more like word processing. You can move sections of video and audio around in the timeline - even cut and paste.
With editing equipment, you don't have to worry what sequence you shoot in because you can join your shots in any order. You will be able to "insert" graphics, stills, slides or other video in your shots. You can also add music, natural sound and narration to replace or mix with the original audio. Software can be used to superimpose text on video.
Remember shooting for editing means getting background shots for inserts. Frame each shot carefully, checking for excess headroom and distracting background. Be sure to include a five second pad of running tape at head and tail of each shot - e.g. before starting a pan or an interview.
Editing takes a lot of time. You can save editing by preparation beforehand. Try watching your tapes and editing on paper. Time your shots roughly and then draw up a timed sequence of shots. You can also hook up two VCRs (video out to video in and audio out to audio in), dub your shots from your original tapes to a sequential "rough edit" of your final video.
While viewing your "rough edit" you can note whatever text (titles, subtitles and credits) you may want to use. You can also prepare a narration or "voice-over". Be careful not to overwrite. Remember the narration should enhance rather than replace your video.
Collaboration videos generally don't use narrators. Instead the participants are given the opportunity to tell their own story on videotape.
During all preparation for editing, try to keep track of your original plan. What is the purpose of your video? Who are you speaking to? How will they be changed by experiencing the video?
Be practical; try to keep your video short and simple.
Ten years ago it was common practice to try and keep the video under 20 minutes. In the late 90s, it's down to about seven minutes.
Lengthy sequences of a visual or narration means a boring video and your message will be lost.
In simple terms, editing is choosing visuals and audio to record from a source video deck to a recorder video deck. Editing is selective copying.
Assemble editing is constructing a video by adding up shots in sequence on the recording tape. One characteristic of assemble editing is that the video signal and both audio signals must be transferred at the same time.
Use insert editing to place a visual or audio in the middle of a recorded video. You have a choice of transferring the video or the audio signal. Inserts can only be performed on previously recorded tape.
Editing functions for both source and recording decks are performed on the controller. As editor, you will select the points on the source and recording tapes where you wish the edit to take place. The controller then rolls back (pre-rolls) the tape in both decks (three seconds on the Ryakuga tape editor) to make certain the machines are up to speed when the edit occurs. This is one reason you should make sure each camera shot includes a five second head pad.
Pre-roll can't take place where there is not recorded tape before the edit point. The head and tail pads give an extra margin of source tape for the editing process. As editor, you will manipulate the controller rotary control to vary the speed of the tape in both machines as you "search" for your edit points. After you find your edit points you have your choice of either previewing the edit or actually performing it.
Advantages of previewing (the edit doesn't actually take place on the recording tape until you "perform" it) include the opportunity to reset or "trim" your initial edit points and to set the video signal and audio levels.
You can end your edit by pressing edit stop a few frames after you want to end the edit.
SUGGESTIONS FOR USING TAPE WATCHING FORMS
Note: Ryakuga's machines produce time code (like a counter measured in hours, minutes, seconds and frames - 1/30 of a second ) actually superimposed on the tape. To assist decision making, we will give you VHS tapes, with time code subtitles, to watch on your own VCR. You simply record the in and out points of time code to make your edit decisions on what to keep and what to discard.
1. The scene description is the place to describe what you are watching. If possible, note each shot (change of camera angle or framing of the picture) as a separate scene.
2. Your comments could say good if you think you want to use the scene; condition of audio; sufficient or not enough light; or if you think the scene may be used to open or close the tape.
3. Think about how you want your video to go together and where the scenes will fit in. Try arranging and re-arranging them on paper a few times before you come to the editing suite.