Whether you’re a beginner or expert in the field, avoiding these video editing mistakes will lead to a better finished product every time.
Editing can be one of the most daunting tasks of filmmaking to take on head first. The software seems confusing and overwhelming at first but the more you play around and test out features, the easier this field of work becomes. These are the most common video editing mistakes, and the resources you need to learn your way around them.
Ignoring Keyboard Shortcuts
Shortcuts are keys and key combinations you can press to perform an action that will save you major time and frustration. No matter what level of editing skill you’re at, shortcuts can be applied to your workflow in a simple, easily understood way. Knowing these shortcuts will push you to become a faster, more professional editor.
Adobe provides a giant list of all the shortcuts in Premier Pro, but if you use a different editing software you can do a Google search for shortcuts or hotkeys — you’ll likely find a printable chart that you can keep next to your computer for quick reference.
Filming in Different Frame Rates
https://vimeo.com/118533139
A common mistake that people new to video production often make is filming scenes in different frame rates for one reason or another. Frame rate is the rate at which images are displayed in a second. Often times you’ll want to shoot in 24fps or in some cases 30fps. Occasionally you’ll come across footage shot in 60fps or even 120fps which is, unfortunately, noticeably different. Once you have the footage there’s not much you can do to change the frame rate, but you can manipulate the footage to fit a certain style or form, such as slowing 60fps down for great looking slow-motion video.
Hard to Read Lower Thirds and Titles
If you’re working on a corporate video, news package or short documentary, having easy-to-read titles and lower thirds is crucial. When easy consumable entertainment is the goal, you don’t want your audience distracted by tiny text or illegible fonts. For slick, attractive looking templates, check out our friends at Rocketstock for their arsenal quality content, like the templates you see above.
Poor Color Correcting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPpX3ZYAKy8
Color correcting can seem difficult, but there are plenty of resources available to help you understand this growing part of filmmaking. With an endless supply of LUT’s, Color Correcting Tutorials and Quick Tips, your project is one tweak away from looking like a major motion picture.
Not Matching Shots
Aside from color correcting and color grading, you want your individual scenes and shots to follow the same motif. If your shots have a dry, desert-like feel to them, its crucial the rest of your work follows this same idea. Matching shots may seem like an unnecessary effort, but it is essential for creating a cohesive video. With these tutorials you will see just how easy and important the technique is.
Leaving Audio as Is
Nothing says amateur like poor audio. You might not have access to the ideal gear but you can still tweak certain aspects to make it easier on the ears. In the editing process, syncing up the audio to video correctly can be difficult but is absolutely do-able.
Exporting Incorrectly
You did it. You shot your video. You put it together piece by piece. Now it’s time for people to watch and enjoy your work! In order to keep the highest level of quality and maintain your work as best as possible, exporting correctly is a major key. When exporting, the biggest aspect to consider is how this video will be watched when it’s all said and done. Vimeo? Youtube? Commercial work? The end location of the video determines how it needs to be exported out of your editing platform.
Know of any other quick editing tips? Let us know in the comments!
