In this short introduction to video editing, we will be using a BeatBox as our inspiration. The video below, created by the Norwegian filmmaker Lasse Gjertsen is our starting point for this project. The sounds that Lasse records are mixed beautifully into the beatbox that now has over 8 million views on YouTube and that was one of the video sharing sites big hits in its early days.
Inspiration – Hyperactive by Lasse Gjertsen
In Lecture Task – Record Your Beats – Video & Sound
- Split into groups of 4 or 5.
- Using the cameras on the iPads, your phones or on laptops to record a series of sounds that you will later edit into your own BeatBox video.
- These clips should be short (1 to 2 seconds at the most).
- You will need at least 20 clips, including sound, for each group.
- Keep the camera static when you are recording.
- Think about colour, sound and movement in the frame when you are recording.
- Once you have recorded the sounds you will need to capture them onto a laptop so that they can be shared in the group (you will each be editing your own version of the video).
Homework Task – 10 Second Edit, Export & Upload
- Decide which editing tool you will use.
- iMovie – if you are using a Mac or have access to a Mac this is one of the easiest editing tools to work with.
- Premiere Pro (Mac & PC) – there is a 7 day free trial of Adobe Premiere Pro available. If you have access to this then you will get a chance to use Adobe’s professional video editing application.
- Premiere Rush (Mac & PC) – this is Adobe’s answer to iMovie. It is an easy to use video editor that allows you to publish your video online.
- Window’s Movie Maker (PC) – if you don’t have access to the 7 day trial of Adobe Premiere Pro then check out Window’s Movie Maker on your PC.
- Final Cut Pro X (Mac only) – this isn’t free but it is awesome. If you already edit with Final Cut Pro X then use this.
- As you edit keep your clips short. To create a rhythm your clips should be trimmed right down to just the sound.
- As you begin to assemble your edit lay down a basic beat with one repeated sound and then add in other beats to replace the original beat.
- Keep building and playing until you are happy with how the sound and video mixes.
- Export & Upload
- Export and upload your video to YouTube.
- Share the video on the blog along with a short reflection about the process.
- Optional: If you’d like to share your creations with me or just like to connect on social media then share a link to your video with me on Twitter where you will find me @benhalsall .
Resources – Editing Tutorials (iMovie, Final Cut Pro X
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8m7nn5CcuGs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TJqdaT9xIc
Creative Technologies Video Course – Video Hack – Spring 2019
If you are interested in learning more about video for the web & social media and developing your production and video editing skills then this Spring the Video Hack class will be running once again.
If you have any questions about the Video Hack class just drop me an e-mail at design@benhalsall.com .