Instructional Video Production

Instructional Video Production 4(1+3)

Lesson 16: Elements of Video Production: Editing

Before Editing

Having completed the production phase, it is now time to move to editing. However, before settling: down to edit the video, ensure the following.

• Make sure you have numbered all the tapes on which you have the raw footage (footage that you have shot). Label the tapes properly. Give each tape a short name and number.
• Log all the tapes. Logging is listing out each shot you have on tape and its duration. Logging is a time-tested procedure and saves a lot of time on the editing table and the money you spend on it.
• After logging the tapes, rewind them to the beginning.
• Keep the log sheets (or ingest sheets as they are called) with you. Do not forget to carry the script to the editing table. Make spare copies of your log sheets and the script, and keep them in a file. Remember to keep them until the production is complete.
• Keep at least two empty tapes for mastering (the tape on which you edit your programme). Label the mastering tape. Have a stock of CDs/DVDs to dump your edited video.
• Record a blank signal (black) for the whole length of the mastering tape. This is required to register the time codes (the reading of the tape) and to facilitate insert editing, which is explained later.