We\u2019re seeing more and more video enter websites these days, whether it be to market a business, operate as a vlog or simply to style up a site, a web developer really does need to branch out and have at least a small skill set in video.<\/p>\n

No matter what you\u2019re trying to achieve, there are simple steps you can make to ensure your video feels and looks professional.<\/p>\n

Choosing a Computer<\/strong><\/h2>\n

First things first is you need the right equipment. It\u2019s likely as a developer you\u2019d already be well equipped for video editing.<\/p>\n

A faster computer will be much more preferable, comfortably dealing with large files being chopped and rendered.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll need large amounts of memory if you\u2019re going to regularly edit, so it could also be worthwhile purchasing some additional memory.<\/p>\n

Choosing an Editor<\/strong><\/h2>\n

That of course starts with the editor you\u2019re using. Now, video editing software can vary hugely in price dependent on what you need it for. A vlogger for example, isn\u2019t going to need anything that allows for CGI, not unless they want the most kick-ass vlog of all time anyway, so a basic video editing package is probably enough.<\/p>\n

The more complex you get though, the more expensive a package will be. Knowing what you require is the first thing you need to get started. Additionally, knowing your own capabilities will also be useful in this process.<\/p>\n

Choosing an editor is relatively easy from there. There are tons of sites that offer help on these things. Brands like Best Online Reviews<\/a> have dedicated pages to video editing, offering advice on the market\u2019s most popular editors and offering articles and advice on how to make a decision.<\/p>\n

Once in the editing suite, there are a number of key rules to take into account, particularly if you\u2019re trying to convey a message. If you\u2019re creating a small marketing video for your business for example, your video should be short, snappy and to the point.<\/p>\n

Choosing a Length<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A number of studies have shown that the attention span of an audience begins to wane. In fact, it\u2019s alleged that Millennials have an attention span of just five to six seconds<\/a> when it comes to adverts, meaning you need to capture their attention in that time, instantly convey your message and ensure it doesn\u2019t go on beyond around 25-30 seconds.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re approaching something that\u2019s a little longer, where you\u2019re trying to tell a story, you need to ensure every scene progresses that story through the edit. Ask yourself at every stage, \u201cwhat does this tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n

If the answer is nothing, then cut it out. It\u2019s as simple as that.<\/p>\n

Naturally, if you\u2019re making anything longer, perhaps research what your audience want. If this is a next step in a blogging career for example, speak to your audience and understand what they want.<\/p>\n

Knowing Your Cuts<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When it comes to mastering the edit, knowing your J Cut from your L Cut is a must. A J Cut is essentially a cut where you hear the audio before you see it visually. So you may hear a car crash before you see it. An L Cut is is the opposite, where you see the visual before hearing the audio.<\/p>\n

They\u2019re two important things to know, particularly if you\u2019re getting started with video editing. Practice getting these right and knowing when to use them before moving on to creating the likes of montages, cutting on action and match cutting<\/a>.<\/p>\n

More advanced cutting include jump cutting which essentially allows an editor to jump forward in time.<\/p>\n

This is commonly used in interviews to move them along, cutting out any unimportant parts. This is usually best done with multiple cameras.<\/p>\n

Another cut useful, particularly if you\u2019re reviewing products or even places within a blog is the cutaway.<\/p>\n

A cutaway is allows you to continue a narrative but highlight specific details about a location or what you\u2019re trying to say. For example, you may be reviewing a phone doing a piece to camera, before cutting away to specific details of the phone itself.<\/p>\n

Learn Your Keyboard Shortcuts<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Learning keyboard will help you on your editing journey, speeding up the process and generally make life easier.<\/p>\n

The best thing to do is print of a cheat sheet and just get to know them as you learn more and more about editing.<\/p>\n

Common shortcuts will quickly let you render, undo, paste and save, while you\u2019ll also be able to complete some more complex functions at the tap of a key.<\/p>\n

As you become more advanced, there\u2019s the possibility of buying an editing keyboard, but that\u2019s only necessary if you\u2019re spending some serious time in the editing suite.<\/p>\n

Learn How To Implement Music<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re planning on putting music into your video, don\u2019t leave it as an afterthought.<\/p>\n

So often the audio is left until last, but have a clear idea of the music you wish to use and how you wish to use it. Think about whether you want to fade in, fade out and also explore whether you\u2019ll need to pay for the music you wish to use.<\/p>\n

All the above are things you need to think about with editing, even if it\u2019s in the most basic of ways. That\u2019s the beauty of editing and as you progress it\u2019s always worthwhile going over old work and seeing where you have improved and where there\u2019s still room for it.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s all about walking before you can run. Even the best loved vlogs on YouTube only use the basics yet to far, while most marketing material also keep it fairly simple. Master the basics and it really is another string to your bow.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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