Editing Lesson Blog

      Today's lesson went over how to edit footage and how to use the editing software on the computers. Before getting into editing, we went over the camera we'll be using for filming and its features. The features demonstrated included how to turn it on and off, how to start recording, and how to insert the SD card. Along with the camera, we'll be receiving a tripod to use during filming. We were shown how to attach the camera to the tripod and how to extend its legs. After going over the hardware, we were introduced to the software we'll be using. There was ample warning to dump footage, or to take footage from the camera and put it onto the computer. Dumping the footage allows it to be held safely on the computer, as if left only on the camera or SD someone could delete it on accident. So we were advised to place the footage recorded into a folder on the desktop. This will allow us to import it into our software easily.

      The editing software we'll be using, Pinnacle Studio, looks similar to any other software. There's features to cut, move clips, and add video effects. Importing footage was also pretty basic, under file there's an option to do so. Once imported, the footage goes into a library and is available to be dragged into any tracks. Tracks are numbered in this software. We were told to sort titles, film, and music into tracks 1, 2, and 3 respectively. We were shown how to cut clips using an indicator on the tracks and a razor icon, then shown how to undo any edits. After that, it was demonstrated how to add titles and text, how to move that text, and how to change its colors. We moved on to audio after, learning how to separate audio and video, what to do when adding a voiceover, and how to mute a track. Finally we were shown how to export our completed film.

      Once done editing our film and we've watched it over to see that everything is in place, we go to file and select export. Then we'll be prompted to specify which file type and quality we want to render the video in. The file type we'll be using is MPEG-4, or the .mp4 extension. Quality will be set to the highest, obviously. After confirming, the software will begin to render the video. During the rendering process, the software goes through the footage in the timeline and closes any gaps between them and improving the video quality. Something different about this program is that gaps between the footage are closed, I know that some other softwares don't do this and just leave the space there. This could be a problem for some future projects, as there could be a shot that requires a black screen. Of course this could be easily side stepped by covering the lens while recording. However this brings up the problem of having extra footage to import, or not recording for long enough. The software looks easy to use and I think I'll be able to get associated quickly.