Are you an aspiring video editor trying to get into the game? Have you always loved experimenting with video and sound to create awesome projects but don’t know where to begin? Well, the good news is, you’re not alone.
The demand for video editing is high. In the past year, the video editing industry has seen a huge increase in the need for talent, as videos now make up over 82% of all internet traffic. That’s why it’s a great time to get into the business and make your own mark in the growing field of video editing. Let’s dive into our top 5 tips for how to get started.
Table of Contents
#1. Back to Basics
As a new video editor, the wide range of programs and software can be intimidating. The best place to start is by familiarizing yourself with the basics of video editing, the different software options available to you, and the functions of all the programs.
Do you know how to cut, trim, and add transitions? Watch some tutorials and get to know the basics like using the timeline editor, the different video file formats, and the basics of editing, such as transitions and effects.
Invest in Quality Software
Spending time learning the software that professionals use is an investment in your editing career. There are a lot of free programs you can start with like Audacity or Filmora, but eventually, you’ll need to learn professional software systems like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.
#2. Organize your Footage
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with each step in the process, it’s time to get organized. Start with the existing media you have and create a usable file structure with keywords and tags to have easily accessible files at any time.
The next step is to build a reference library, an essential asset for any video editor. A reference library is a collection of video clips, sound clips, images, and any other media that you can use when working on a project.
This will come in really handy for times when you need inspiration or just to make quick edits. The larger your reference library grows, the more material and options you will have for clients on paid projects.
#3. Choosing Sound
Music is one of the key aspects of any film that brings it to life. There’s a reason that big-budget productions will bring in entire teams dedicated just to sound and music.
Chances are, you don’t have the budget to rent out a symphony orchestra, but that’s okay. You’ll need to match the tone of whatever film to a proper soundtrack to set the mood. One of the easiest tips is to watch the clip you’re editing without any sound and try to envision what’s missing to capture the feeling.
If you’re musically inclined, you can make your own, but if not, there are tons of different databases out there filled with cinematic stock footage and sound clips that you can use to experiment and splice into your films to find the perfect mood.
#4. Experiment!
The best way to gain experience in any field is to practice, practice, practice.
Treat every project as a learning experience no matter how big or small. As a new video editor, you won’t have all the experience of the veterans, but you do have one advantage. You won’t be set in your ways and you should be willing to learn.
The second you start churning out a video that’s copied and pasted is the moment you stop learning and growing.
Create a Showreel
With a few video editing projects under your belt, you can now start creating your portfolio of work. This is called a showreel (or demo reel) and it should showcase a variety of different editing styles and techniques that will display your skills to potential clients.
#5. See what’s Trending
Video editing is a fast-moving field. As technology evolves, so too will the programs, software, tools, and skills you need to stay relevant.
Video editing technology is always improving just like every other tech industry. Play around with settings and different techniques that you hear about, chat with others on forums, and see if you can recreate your favorite scenes, but try something new with every single project.
As you move forward, keep on top of the latest techniques and trends in video editing by watching video tutorials, reading about the latest news, and following experienced video editors that you respect. You’ll be a veteran in no time!
