Are You A Steven Spielberg Wannabe?

You have just been on a holiday trip to Italy. Your new high tech digital video camera was your travelling companion. Well maybe your wife and kids too. However, on this trip you really push the button. You go bananas with your new toy and instruct your surroundings to behave just as you want them on your widescreen back home. That was fun and you arrive home with five full hours of DV-tape, ready to share all the fun with your family, friends and neighbours. You connect the camera to the TV, and you are ready to roll.
But, what happens? After 5 minutes, you sense the first sign of something terrible. Are they bored? How is that possible? With so much fun and action on the screen? I think I saw one yawning. Still there is four more tapes...

You have just learned your first lesson. Lesson number one: Edit your tapes. The raw material is only interesting for the participants. You need to learn how to cut. In fact, you need to cut to the bone.

Here's the thumb rule: The final product is never -Never- larger than 1/20th of your raw footage. In other words: One hour of raw video becomes 3 minutes of final product.

That sounds easy. However, if you never tried this, you are in for a big surprise. It is so hard to ignore all those excellent recordings you have made. It will put your self-control on a considerable test.

The reward, though, is undisputable. The audience is in your hands. They will ask for more. They will pat you on the back with a job extremely well done. Oh happy day!

When shooting film, you will most likely have many effects to choose from depending of your video camera. Never use any of these effects! All of them can be added later when editing. You can't restore a clip with effects applied to its original appearance.

When shooting, descend to the level of the motive in order to make the film look more exciting. Film from above if you want people to appear small or afraid, Or film from below if you want them to appear big or scary. Try different angles for the same take.

Don't be afraid to overdo shooting. With the digital video you can use as much raw film as you like without thinking of the money it will cost you. When there is a great motive in front of you, you have to be creative and get as much raw material as you can.

But when it comes to editing, a good basic rule is that less is more. Don't overdo with the effects. Keep it simple and try to focus on the story you are telling. The same goes with transitions. This is however not always the case when it comes to music video editing where most of the normal rules in editing are gone.

Ok maybe you have to learn a few more tricks before you announce yourself the new Spielberg. Nevertheless, you are on the right path.

As a music video producer, I can give you one more tip right now. Carry out and experiment in making music videos. Its fun and it is the ultimate method of video editing. You start with the sound file and add the video clips, adjusted to the mood and rhythm. You have a restricted length to work with; witch gives you valuable editing practise.

Have fun, and remember to use an easy and user-friendly editing software