Intro

The fact that home computers have become faster, have more RAM, etc. has made it possible for home users to create and edit digital movies - something that was not possible (or practical, or way too cost prohibitive) not that many years ago.

There are video editing applications for just about every computer platform - with several choices for Linux, Mac and Windows. These include: Adobe Premiere, FinalCut, iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, Open Movie Editor, Kino and more.

General Concepts, Interface Layout and Features

Below are links to pages which discuss the interface and editing tools of specific applications.

Here are some general concepts which can be applied to all of the applications.

• The Media Panel or Bin
  This area is where all of your video clips, still images, and audio go.
• The Monitor Panel
  This is where you can view your clips individually or the timeline. Monitor controls are typically like a VCR: Play, Stop, Pause, FF, RW. The moveable marker beneath the viewing area is called the Play Head.

  NOTE: Some applications have one Monitor which switches between viewing a clip or the timeline. Other applications have two Monitors - one of clip viewing and the other for viewing the timeline.

  When viewing a clip, you will see a “mini timeline” below the clip. You can edit the clip by setting the in-point and out-point of the clip. This is used to get rid of unwanted parts of the clip.

• The Movie Timeline
  This is the timeline of your entire movie. Generally clips can be dragged from the bin or preview monitor onto the timeline and arranged in the order that you like. At minimum you will see one video and one audio track on the time line. How many of each types will depend on the application.
• Effects and Transitions
  Most applications will have a number of video effects (sometimes audio effects too) and transitions. Adding an effect is generally done by dragging it on top of the clip in the timeline. Transitions are added by dragging them between two clips. It’s easy to get carried away with effects and transitions! It’s best to use both sparingly - to help make your point. When it comes to transitions, the most useful are generally a cross fade (cross dissolve) or fade to black. In fact the most commonly used transition used in professional video/movies is…. none at all! Just going from one scene to another.

Adobe Premiere Elements: For an illustrated overview of the interface and tools, click here.

iMovie: For an illustrated overview of the interface and tools, click here.

Activity

Take your group’s video footage, import it and make a short sample movie putting clips on the timeline.