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Getting started
Getting started
Editing is where the story is told. It is arguably the hardest and my favorite part of creating videos. In this video, I share my step-by-step workflow process as well as some tips for telling a good story!
Personal Example
Personal Example
This video was created in 2019 at the Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Road's 10th-anniversary gala fundraiser. It was one of the first times I filmed an event and is a great example of efficient storytelling editing. The fast-paced song allows for quick cuts to keep the video moving. Many of the clips were under 2-3 seconds, yet the viewer is able to understand what is happening with little confusion.
Key Takeaway...
If you think a clip is short enough, you can probably shorten it even more.
What editor is right for you?
What editor is right for you?
With the wide range of video editors to choose from, how do you find the right one for you? Understand the pros and cons of the most popular editors used today.
Canva - online - Free
Canva - online - Free
Canva is a free, user-friendly, and powerful site that contains many graphic and video templates for any creative or business project! It's the one-stop shop for all content marketing needs.
Pricing:
Basic - Free
Canva Pro - $119.99 / yr - shared with 1-5 people
Tutorials:
Clipchamp - online - free
Clipchamp - online - free
Clipchamp is a powerful and free online editor with loads of templates and functions for any video needs.
Pricing Plans:
Basic - Free
Creator - $9/mo
Business - $19/mo
Tutorials:
imovie - mac/ios - free
imovie - mac/ios - free
iMovie is a free IOS-based application that is great for beginners. Its user-friendly design is easy to learn but lacks some advanced functions.
Available on: Desktop, iPad, mobile
Tutorials:
Splice - ios/android - free
Splice - ios/android - free
Splice is the most powerful mobile video editing app. It contains many functions that exceed iMovie and is a good step toward creating high-quality videos from your phone.
Tutorials:
filmora x - pc/mac - $69
filmora x - pc/mac - $69
Filmora X is a simple video editor with beginner to intermediate controls.
Tutorials:
Davinci Resolve - Pc/mac - Free
Davinci Resolve - Pc/mac - Free
Davinci Resolve is a powerful editor that offers all the same functions as the entire adobe suite at a fraction of the cost.
Pricing Plans:
Free Plan - Free - perfect for most people
Studio - $295 - has a few addtional features
Tutorials:
Premiere Pro - pc/mac - $22/mo
Premiere Pro - pc/mac - $22/mo
Premiere Pro is an advanced desktop editor for any professional project. It is connected to the Adobe Suite and can easily merge projects between other Adobe applications like Aftereffects.
Pricing Plans:
Trial Plan - Free - two weeks
Premiere Pro - $20.99
Creative Cloud - $54.99/mo
Tutorials:
Final Cut Pro x - mac - $299.99
Final Cut Pro x - mac - $299.99
Final Cut Pro is an advanced desktop editor for any professional project. It is a one-time purchase and only available for Macs.
Tutorials:
The essentials
The essentials
Master your Editor
Master your Editor
Editing can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many screens, panels, and buttons to understand. This video provides a great tutorial of everything you need to know.
It specifically focuses on Premiere Pro but can be applied to any editor.
Editing basics
Editing basics
One thing I love about video editing is there is no right way. Each person has a different workflow and style. Here are some fundamental principles to help you get started.
Music 101
Music 101
Music adds so much life to videos, but how do you know what song to choose? Sometimes I spend hours just looking for the right song. Learn from Ben Hess how to spot the right song for any project.
Adding text 101
Adding text 101
Text is cool. A lot of text is less cool. Hard to read text is not cool at all. Here are some tips to keep in mind when adding text to your videos.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Improve your editing!
Improve your editing!
This video provides some incredible guidance to improving your edits and create engaging videos!
Editing to Music
Editing to Music
The first step to understand pacing is to edit to music. That means transitioning and cutting to the beat of a song. It's as straight forward as it sounds and can bring life to your edit.
Adding text 201
Adding text 201
Now that your text is easy to read and understand. Let's get creative!
a simple editing trick
a simple editing trick
There are infinite ways to edit your videos, but there are some cool tricks to spice up your editing and transitions using audio.
Sound design
Sound design
Want to add power, emotion, and depth to your videos? Sound design is what you are looking for.
Social Media Creation
Social Media Creation
Create videos for social media that connect with audiences. This is the best video to watch as it covers everything from filming to publishing.
Finding sound effects
Finding sound effects
Now that you know what sound design is and how powerful it is, here are some tips to finding and using sound effects.
Green Screen 101
Green Screen 101
Everyone loves a good green screen. Here's how you can use a green screen for your video.
Practice exercises
Practice exercises
Exercise #1 : 1-to-100
Exercise #1 : 1-to-100
A story in 100 parts... Containing 100 clips, each 1 second long. You can use public domain, stock footage, or your own. This is your chance to be creative with your audio!
Start by asking yourself...
How can I use music and audio to tell a story?
You will learn...
Scene selection, pacing, and sound design
Exercise #2 : Portrait of a place
Exercise #2 : Portrait of a place
A story of a place. Choose anywhere. The gas station, a local coffee shop, or your house. The only stipulation is no faces, you can only use audio you record at the location, and you must include at least 9 types of shots (The 16 Types of Camera Shots & Angles). Approximately 1 to 2 minutes long.
Start by asking yourself...
What place do I feel connected to? What can I see, hear, smell, taste, or touch that tells the story of this place?
You will learn...
Camera shots & angles and sound design
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