Unit 16: Preparation for Editing

In this post I will be comparing good and bad preparation for editing. In the preparation for the filming of my music video I needed to look at preparing for editing so that I know everything I need to before filming so that I allow myself an easier job at editing it.

Good preparation is needed because it saves time when it comes to editing, it allows me to find the right and needed shots quicker and easier because everything should be organised. To do this bins (or files) needs to be created so and only the wanted footage should be imported into them, the bins should hold all the shots for one scene and label them in order. In order to import the right shots a shot decision list is needed, this states which shots shouldn't be used and why.

Throughout filming, after filming and before importing the footage/material should be checked continuously, this is to ensure continuity is achieved and also check the lighting, framing, syncing, sound and background. This can then be noted on the rushes log which will state anything that needs to be reshot - an example would be reshooting a scene because there were members of the public in the background. It is very important to check the shots during filming, especially when on location as this will be the only time you will be there and any shots needed to be filmed again will have to be done on that day; it also ensures that the lighting stays consistent.

The recording of the footage can be obtained 2 ways, one way is the more 'old-fashioned' way but is still used throughout the industry, this is by using tapes. A more modern way is to film onto an SD card, they each have their advantages and disadvantages. Tape is easier to organise and label, making it easier and quicker to find the footage but it can be unreliable as dirty or used tapes may not always work. SD cards are easier to find/identify the footage once on the computer because of thumbnails, however they are harder to label until imported.

A very important preparation technique is setting the correct import settings, if this is not done correctly then the video will not be how you want it to be.

Overall, preparation is very important; it makes editing easier and time saving as well keeping everything organised.