Editing Video

Quick Start

Given raw footage and a goal (e.g., "make a 60-second highlight reel"), produce an edited sequence:

1. Review all source clips, note timestamps of usable segments.
2. Assemble a rough cut: arrange selected clips in sequence matching the intended narrative or pacing.
3. Trim each clip to tighten pacing (cut dead air, false starts, redundant takes).
4. Add transitions, sync audio, apply color correction.
5. Export in the target format/resolution (e.g., 1080p H.264 for web).

Workflow

Progress:

• Step 1: Ingest and review footage — log good takes, usable B-roll, and audio quality issues
• Step 2: Define structure — outline sequence/story beats before touching the timeline
• Step 3: Rough cut — place clips in order, roughly trimmed, no polish yet
• Step 4: Fine cut — trim frame-accurately, tighten pacing, remove filler
• Step 5: Audio pass — sync dialogue, balance levels, add music/SFX, remove noise
• Step 6: Visual pass — color correct/grade, add titles, transitions, graphics
• Step 7: Review — watch full edit at playback speed, check pacing and continuity
• Step 8: Export — choose codec/resolution/bitrate matching the delivery platform

Examples

Example 1: Input: 20 minutes of interview footage, need a 2-minute summary for social media Output: Rough cut selecting the 5 strongest quotes (ranked by clarity and impact), sequenced to build a mini-narrative (hook → context → key insight → closer), trimmed to remove filler words, with lower-third captions for speaker name and punchy jump cuts to maintain energy. Final export: vertical 9:16, 1080x1920, H.264.

Example 2: Input: Wedding ceremony + reception footage, need a 5-minute highlight reel Output: Structure: ceremony vows (emotional peak) → ring exchange → kiss → reception toasts → first dance → closing shot. Audio-driven edit — cuts timed to a chosen music track's beats. Color graded for warm, consistent tone across different lighting conditions (outdoor ceremony vs. indoor reception). Export: 1920x1080, H.264, for both web and projector playback.

Best Practices

• Cut on action or on a beat — never leave a cut on a static, dead moment.
• Edit for story first, polish second. A well-structured rough cut with rough trims beats a beautifully graded edit with no narrative.
• Keep audio clean as a priority — viewers forgive mediocre visuals more than bad audio.
• Match the pacing to the platform: fast cuts for social media, slower/breathable pacing for documentary or cinematic work.
• Maintain continuity (eyelines, audio levels, color) across cuts so transitions feel seamless.
• Always keep a project file with layered/non-destructive edits; never edit the only copy of source footage.

Common Pitfalls

• Don't over-trim dialogue to the point it sounds unnatural or robotic.
• Don't apply transitions (wipes, spins) indiscriminately — a hard cut is usually stronger than a flashy transition.
• Don't skip the audio pass — unbalanced levels or background noise ruin an otherwise good edit.
• Don't finalize color/export before locking the cut — grading before the edit is locked wastes rework.
• Don't ignore the target platform's spec (aspect ratio, max length, captions) before starting the edit.