From Vision to Video Clip in Three Easy Sessions: An Introduction to Video Recording and Editing at HGSE

January Term Session DatesJanuary 14 – 10-12PMJanuary 16 – 10-12PMJanuary 18 – 10-12PM

Session 2

Session Goals

• Session 1: Pre-production and production– Learn how to plan and execute a video shoot

• Session 2: Post-production– Perform basic editing techniques in Final Cut Pro

• Session 3: Post-production– Prepare video for delivery to web or DVD

Feedback on Assignment

• How did it go?

• Things that went well?

• Difficulties or challenges?

• Questions?

Session 2 Agenda

• Post-production planning– Anticipating workload– File size and saving options– Working with an edit decision list (EDL) and storyboard

• Basic editing techniques and vocabulary (Final Cut Pro)– Organizing project materials– Viewing and capturing footage– Working within the software interface

• Live demonstrations– Hands on editing

Post-Production Planning

• Time consuming process– 1 minute of video = 1 hour of editing time

• File size is extremely large– 5 minutes = 1 gigabyte of memory (SD)

– 1 minute = 1 gigabyte of memory (HD)

• Saving work in the lab– Student data drive available– Consider an external hard drive– DO NOT save to the desktop!

• Utilize your original storyboard

Post-Production Planning

Post-Production Planning

• Consider creating an edit decision list

Introduction to Final Cut Pro

• File organization is extremely important– Work within a project folder– Keep all materials in one place

• Understanding Final Cut’s workflow– Events vs. Projects

• No saving – weird I know!

• Don’t be intimidated!

Final Cut Pro X Interface

Exercise #1 - Getting Started

1. Create a project folder on the Student Data drive• Label it with your name

2. Locate the Final Cut Pro icon in the dock• Click on the icon to launch the software

3. Create an “Event” using the Event Library

• Right-click on “Student Data” drive – choose “New Event”

4. Create a “Project” using the Project Library

• Right-click on “Student Data” drive – choose “New Project”

5. Locate the Final Cut computer directories

• Two folders on the Student Data drive

Importing Footage

• Tape: occurs through a firewire connection– Camera, tape deck, DVD player, etc.– Real time task

• Digital: USB transfer– Faster!– Plug and play

• Drag and drop– Great for existing digital files already on computer

Exercise #2 - Importing Footage

1. Plug USB or Firewire cable in to the computer• Switch camera to “VCR” mode (Canon models)• Plugging in USB cameras may auto-launch import window

2. Highlight your new event file in Final Cut• Hit the “Import Media” button

3. Select clips to import (digital cameras)

4. Import a small segment of your tape (Canon cameras)• Playback control buttons should appear in import window

Exercise #3 - Timeline Techniques

1. Locate your newly imported clips in the Event Library• Re-label one of your clips

2. Drag portion of footage to timeline

3. Practice trimming your footage using the selection tool• Remove excess at beginning or end

4. Practice zooming in and out within the timeline space• ⌘+ to zoom in and ⌘- to zoom out

• Use the “Shift-Z” command to view entire timeline at once

5. Expand audio/video tracks • Right-click on video clip in timeline

Exercise #4 - Additional Techniques

1. Add a title effect to your timeline• Simple text over black• Lower third on top of video clip

2. Adjust audio levels up or down• Experiment with manual fade in/out

3. Create a transition between clips• Drag and drop desired effect from transitions window

Importing Additional Files

• Soundtrack audio• Image files• Digital video files• Branding elements• etc.

Best Practices

• Stay organized!

• Work on main storyline first

– Save transitions and titles for last

• Don’t be afraid to push the envelope– Endless features and options within FCPX– Ask for help when needed

Assignment

• Homework assignment due next session:– Edit a 3-5 minute clip using at least three techniques– Be prepared to share your triumphs and tragedies

• Continue working today or use the lab on Thursday

LTC Resources – Multimedia Lab

• Usage is on a first come, first serve basis

• Sign in/out at LTC front desk– Exchange student ID for station assignment

• Hours of operation are same as LTC– Monday -Thursday: 9am-9pm– Friday - Saturday: 9am-5pm– Sunday: Closed– Additional hours possible during peak usage (e.g. finals)

Questions?