Advanced editing workshop

Today in the lesson, we went up to the editing suite and Matt gave us a lesson on editing music videos. He first went through what we had learned before, such as how to use the tools and where they are, but this lesson was different to our other lessons in the editing suite because this time it was exclusively about how to edit our music videos.

-Firstly, we learnt about the clapper board as that is what we would have to think about first when filming and editing. We have to use it for every shot we film so we are able to sync the footage and keep it neat

-There are two types of syncing: sound syncing is when you find the very beginning of the snare hit and drag it onto the timeline, and match it with the shot. Picture syncing is when you read the numbers on the clapper board, for example, 51:53 and then you match it on the timeline

-It's also important to rename the shots and group them together. This will keep everything organised and allow the editor to find exactly what kind of shot they need straight away.

-We were also told to listen to the music and then illustrate what we hear: for example, when theres a drum fill in the music, you could do a closeup on the drums or a movement that matches the sound. The speed of the song is telling you how fast to cut- you should put the guitar when its playing

-as well as this, we should follow the movement within the edit and match the action and camera movement together, so it keeps up with the tempo and flows well

-We should show the singers face for the first line of lyrics, so we know who the lead singer is, as well as group placing group shots together so the audience know who is who

-Next you add in extra shots/ a narrative element if there is one
-then clean the edit (making sure everything is really precise and organised, especially when cutting and trimming)
-Then add effect shots, for example any special effects you want to add like a grain or sparkles
-then colour the footage

Here are some very important rules that we should follow:

-Don't rough cut (it's not very necessary for music videos)
-Focus on 20 seconds at a time, and make them the best that you can and then move on. That way you will be getting more done, and more efficiently, rather than having to keep going back
-You should also edit one hour at a time so you are able to step back and not get too immersed in it
-and you shouldn't show anyone the edit until its finished, otherwise they might give you criticisms that wont help/get you confused