Video editing is the procedure of manipulating video by rearranging different shots and scenes in order to create a whole new output. It is only a small part of post-production work. If you want to take your video editing skills from beginner to pro, then you need to have a command over video editing terms.
Why is command over technical terms necessary?
Editing not only comprises “the cut”; instead, the job is very much monotonous at time and requires highly creative mind.
ADMEC Multimedia is a professional Video Editing Institute in Delhi offers training for video editing courses in India by experts. In the advanced Video Editing classes, training is given on high-end apple machines by best of the experienced industry experts.
To become a professional editor always follow the tips and techniques given by the mentors and industry experts.
Most Important Video Editing Terms
In the present competitive world, it is not easy to become a faultless video editor. But constant practice and patience you can become a pro in no time. Here are a few of the most important video editing terms you must know to become a professional video editor.
1. Aspect Ratio:
It can be defined as the connection between the width and the height of any video dimensions which is conveyed in ratio. The most common aspect ratios which are used for video are 4:3, 16:9 and 1.85:1.
2. B-roll:
It is that process of video editing where rules are flexible at the time of editing because of the fact that supplementary footage can make a beforehand unequal scene smooth. They also assist in providing additional details to back various scenes which are used in the news, wedding films, or interviews. For example, in an interview or news report it can be a footage which has been cut to help tell the story.
3. Batch capture:
When a software automatically imports clips from the source media, this ability is known as Batch Capture.
4. Bit rate:
The amount of data used in every second is called Bit rate and they are usually measured in Kbps (Kilobits per second).
3. Close Up:
Those shots which frame any subject firmly are known as close up shots. For instance, if in a scene a person is the subject, then close up will be person’s face.
4. Color Temperature:
It computes and gives the output Kelvin unit and the scale can vary between cool to warm. It is also known as the visible light in a shot. Let’s take an example: hotter color temperatures tend to appear red or orange, whereas cooler color temperatures often have a bluish tint.
5. Color Correction:
When a professional editor manipulates colors digitally in post-production, then that process can be termed as color correction.
6. Compositing:
At the time of editing footage, compositing is often used. It can be described as the process of merging numerous images with the help of best video editing software.
7. Compression:
It can be referred to as the procedure of decreasing the amount of data in a video file. This process makes uploading downloading process for the video really fast. No doubt it takes time to compress any video, still using it will not only saves time but give you the option to store more videos!
8. Crop factor:
It is a number, generally in the range of 1.3 to 2.0, that indicates the ratio of a sensor’s imaging area to that of a full frame sensor. Multiplying a lens’ focal length by a sensor’s crop factor gives the actual focal length for that sensor/lens combination.
9. Cut-in (Insert Shot):
It is a type of shot that most often shows the objects the subject is in contact with or manipulating. Cut-in shots are correspondingly helpful to b-roll because they stray from the subject for a short period of time.
10. Depth of Field (DOF):
It refers to the part of your image that is in focus. A deep DOF will show nearly everything in the frame sharply in focus. In case of shallow DOF, a narrow range within your video image will be in focus. A shallow depth of field allows for greater emphasis to be placed on your main subject.
11. Frame Rate:
It is the rate that your shutter cycles through opening and closing or when the sensor captures video in a 1 second period. Common Frame Rate Examples: 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 60. The frame rate is expressed through frames per second (fps).
12. F-stop:
It is a term used to describe the size of the aperture opening. The lower the F-stop number, the bigger the aperture. If the aperture is low, more light is able to reach the image sensor. F-stop settings are normally displayed with a forward slash. Common f-stops are: f/1.4, f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, and f/22. A low f-stop number (large aperture) results in a shallow depth of field and a high f-stop (smaller aperture) gives a deep depth of field.
13. Jump Cut:
This is a cut that pushes forward in time. It’s normally done within the same frame or composition, and many times it’s used within montages.
14. J-Cut:
They are used when editing footage to have the audio from the next shot precede the video. J-cut is not short for jump cut. The name has been derived from the shape a j-cut makes on your editing program’s timeline.
Lip sync: When lip movement is properly synchronized with audio, it is known as Lip-syncing.
15. L-Cut:
They are the exact opposite of j-cuts because the video is edited so that the video’s image changes from one shot to another but the initial shot’s audio continues into the next clip. Similarly, like a j-cut, an l-cut has its name because of its appearance in the timeline of your editing software.
16. Memory Bank:
It is a video that documents certain time periods or events in someone’s life. It can be used to record music, make use of natural sound, record vacations, or just capture moments in everyday life.
17. Pixel Aspect Ratio:
Pixels are the thousands of tiny squares (typically squares) that make up each image in your video. The width of each pixel relative to its height is known as the pixel aspect ratio. For uploading to Vimeo set your pixel aspect ratio (PAR) to 1:1 or 1.00.
18. Shortlist:
It is a full log of all the shots you want to include in your film; essentially it is a checklist filled with minute details that will give your film a sense of direction and efficiency.
19. Storyboard:
A Storyboard consists of drawings that illustrate all of the scenes in your production. They are an organized and direct way to visualize what needs to be shot or animated.
20. The Rule of Thirds:
It is a method of composing shots which makes your production aesthetically pleasing. Imagine a tic-tac-toe board aligned directly over your image. The grid for the Rule of Thirds looks like a tic-tac-toe board because it separates the image into 9 separate sections.
21. Three-point Lighting:
It is useful because 3 lights are set up in a way that eliminates the majority of shadows to balance the image and have appealing contrast. The 3 lights are commonly called fill, key, and backlights.
22. Tilts:
They are fixed up and down, or vertical, movements made with the camera.
23. Timelapse:
It is a technique where each frame in a video is captured at a much slower rate than normal. When played back at normal speed, time appears to go by faster. This can also be achieved by fast forwarding or increasing the speed of your video in an editing program.
24. White Balance:
It is the process of capturing the correct colors for the type of available light. For instance, in an improper white balance, the whites may have tints of yellow, green, red, or some other color. Many cameras come with a white balance menu, as well as an auto white balance feature
25. Wide Angle:
It is a lens that uses a grouping of glass to enable a shorter focal length than the physical body of the lens would normally permit. In doing so, the wide-angle lens can capture more of a subject from an equal distance when compared to a normal lens of the same size.
While these are the terms that are widely used in and around the video editing industry, there are certain software tools that you should know about.
Best paid and free video editing software:
Adobe Premiere Pro
One of the best video editing software of the industry, Adobe Premiere Pro is a world’s leading video editing software used by multitudes of prolific professionals across the globe.
Premiere pro is powerful software which allows not only video editing but also facilitates sound editing too. The software comes with several features and presents which make the video editing process simpler.
The software comes with an automatic sync option which lets you know which clip belongs to which footage and this feature becomes really handy when editors are editing multi-angle shots.
However the interface of Premiere pro is a bit complex to understand which makes it a complex software for amatuer editors.
Final Cut Pro
If you are addicted to apple products then this is your go to software for video editing. Final Cut Pro is one of the best software available for Mac OS.
FCP cleverly coordinates with your photos and videos uploaded on icloud. Recently, in midst of Covid-19, Apple has extended the trial period for FCP from 30 days to 90 Days
Light works
If you want to create professional looking videos but don’t want to invest a huge amount into software, then this tool can become your saviour. Lightworks is one of the best free software available for windows, MacOS and Linux
It is a non linear video editing software and does not compromise on the quality of the video. The software almost has all the premium features that are available in premium software.
The only thing which makes it less favorable is the steep learning curve. It has a complex interface which can be little comprehensive for a beginner to understand.
Hitfilm Express
No list is complete with this stunning free video editing software . The software is capable of editing videos and music and you can also add various 3D effects to your videos.
The free version of the software is capable of producing high quality professional videos. However if you still want to upgrade, it has several packs to choose from.
DaVinci Resolve
Another free software which makes into the list is DaVinci. The software is used to edit big budget films due to its powerful color correction capabilities.
Color correction is the strength of this software which makes it one of the favorite tool of many artists across the world
Our Popular Industry Oriented Video Editing Courses
Post Production Master Course
Duration: 12 Months
This is a professional diploma course spreading across 12 months and covers leading software of the Post Production Industry. With practical knowledge the course also covers the theoretical aspects like commercial art, Design principles etc.
The course impart the knowledge of 3D composting, lighting and rendering process, essential for 3d modelling.
Post Production Premium Course
Duration: 6 Months
This 6 month certificate is a perfect course for those who want to experience the fundamentals of the Video editing and post production industry. Professionals who want to brush up their skills can also join this course.
Under this course you will be learning the latest techniques of leading software like Photoshop, After Effects and Premiere Pro.
YouTube Creators Standard Course
Duration: 2 Months
As we all know the craze of YouTube is increasing day by day and thus ADMEC brings a professional certificate course designed specially for editors who want to explore their career as a Youtuber.
Adobe After Effects Master Course
Duration: 2 Months
This is a specialized course designed to make students excel in the world’s leading Motion graphic software- Adobe After Effects.
This short term course will cover 2D and 3D motion graphics tips and techniques used by professionals.
Adobe Premiere Pro Master Course
Duration: 1.5 Months
This certificate course gives you a deep understanding of popular video editing software- Premiere Pro.
The course is designed to let you get into the workspace of Adobe Premiere.. This course is a complete package of core and comprehensive techniques of Premiere Pro.
These are one of the best courses offered by us in the Video editing and Post production field. If you want to know more about them, Contact us now! Get yourself enrolled now to experience the best.
So these were terms that are widely used across the industry. This list surely does not contain all the terms but it will give you a decent understanding of the industry.
I’m not suggesting you learn all these but knowing the fundamentals of this would surely help you in surviving in the industry.
Once you master the above list of common terms and understand their role, I’m 100% sure that you can take your video editing skills to the high level. These terms are significant to understand for every editor. They help you in reflecting your creative side through your work.
Also, Professional video editing can make the difference between a cheesy home movie and an emotional family film.
There are many ways to learn, master and then pass on video editing knowledge, but the most important secret is: your video editing training from a reputed institute where you get hands-on experience on live projects using the latest software.
ADMEC brings you one of the most splendid courses in video editing with an industry oriented curriculum. Here under the guidance of experts, you will gain the high quality training and ace the complex concepts with ease.
Dealing with all the essential concepts required to edit and produce a stunning you tube video, this course has everything stored.
By opting for this course you’ll also learn about how brands use YouTube for their brand promotion and marketing.
