Chapter 4

How To Edit

Level 1

This chapter will cover the technical stuff on editing, using the software packages, iMovie and Windows Movie Maker (WMM).

4.1 What Is The Basic Theory Of Editing?

Like any skill editing has some basic rules that help us to understand what the filmmaker and editor wants to say. Take some time to study films and TV so you can learn these. What you add to the image and sound after it is filmed can hugely influence a film. You will notice that tension is indicated by music and close up shots on actors. Different camera angles break the scene down and make it interesting by leading the viewers eye to what is important. The way you cut between these, i.e. fast or slow, is also telling the audience more information about the story. The editor can alter everything about the film with their skills.

4.2 How Do I Get My Clips Onto The Computer?

Prepare your tapes and camera - Know what tapes you will use and put the camera in playback or video player mode.
Connect your equipment - Use the Firewire cable to link the camera and computer. Avoid using the "USB" cable.
Understand the layout of your editing software and files - Know the layout of your software. Know where your files are kept, save your work regularly!

4.3 How do I get my clips into Windows Movie Maker(WMM)?

Start a new project or open an existing one?
Capture from video device? In the "Task Pane" on the left hand side click on "Capture from video device".
Use the camera and "Record" controls? After naming your clip and setting the quality, click "Start capture" when you’re ready!
See your clips? The clips appear in your browser window when you are finished capturing.

4.4 How Do I Edit In Windows Movie Maker?

Put clips on the storyboard/timeline - Click and drag your clip from the browser window to where you want it in the timeline.
Add audio - In the tasks panel click "import audio or music" and navigate to the CD or folder your clip is in.
Export to camera - Under the "finish movie" menu, "Exporting to camera" will play your video to tape.

4.5 How do I get my clips into iMovie?

Set your preferences - From the "iMovie" menu select "preferences" then click on the white circle next to PAL.
Start a new project or open an existing one? Go into capture mode. Ensure the blue button is on the camera symbol just under the preview window.
Use the camera controls - The large black arrow is the play button, the camera should play the tape.
Digitize or "Import" your clips - When you are at the beginning of a clip you like, in the capture window press the "Import" button. Your clips will appear in the browser window on the right.

4.6 How Do I Edit In iMovie?

Move your clips onto the timeline - Click on your clips in the browser window and drag them onto the timeline.
Add audio - In iMovie, you can access audio through the program "iTunes" by clicking on the audio tab.
Export to camera - Under the file menu, click "Share" then the Exporting to camera option will play to your camera.

4.7 How Do I Show My Movie?

Preview your movie, the grand premiere! - To see your movie full screen click the play fullscreen button next to the play button in iMovie and the little blue button in the bottom left corner of WMM.
Show it to "your critics" - People who were not involved in the creative process will see your film in a different light to you and prove invaluable as critics. Ask people to give you an honest opinion.