Editing, Sequencing and Effects (10/12/10)

Today, by working with raw footage in Final Cut Express; I learned how to sequence footage and add effects in the post-production stage. I did this by using tools such as in and out markers, the razor blade tool, linked selection and snapping. As well as transitions such fade-to-blacks, cross-dissolves and wipes.


When working with raw footage, it was very easy to set in and out points and select the best clips to be used in the film. After that, it was simply a case of dragging and dropping the clips into the timeline, which again was very simple. Using the razor blade tool is an effective way of shaving off milliseconds of footage from the beginning or end of different shots, so that the film plays through more smoothly. The linked selection tool makes it easy to edit video and audio at the same time and snapping makes moving clips around much easier.

I used an array of transitions for the first time in today's lesson. I found that a fade to black is very effective when it comes to ending a film smoothly or giving the impression that time has passed between shots. I think that cross dissolves give a dreamy feel to a sequence and could be used to transition between shots effectively in a dream sequence. I couldn't find an effective way to use any of the wipes I came across, though perhaps I will in future lessons.

I had a couple of problems when editing my footage in today's lesson. One of which was that I was initially having trouble finding an exact point to set an in and out marker. I later discovered that left and right arrows can be used to effectively fine tune when setting an in or out point. This made the whole process a lot more simple. Another problem was that I couldn't use a cross dissolve between two shots. I was later told that this was due to a lack of footage on either side of the shots. It is always necessary to make sure you leave 'handles' on your clips as this extra footage is needed for most transitions. Other than these problems, I think that the lesson went well and I learned a lot.