What is video editing
A simple definition of editing video content is organizing and making changes to media files to create a new video. Whether changes are small or big, they serve a variety of purposes, including making movies, TV shows, commercials, vlogs, and more.
The main steps include:
- Import and organization of files
- Cutting and merging
- Adding effects and transitions
- Color correction and gradation
- Sound editing
- Adding text
- Export and finalization
Previously, this process required a lot of activities and physical equipment. But now the main video editing equipment is just a PC or even a phone. The entire process takes place on a flexible editing timeline and provides a lot of freedom.
History of film editing
The earliest device that can be attributed to video editing was created in 1897 by French inventor Charles Pathé. He used special scissors and adhesive tape to glue the individual frames together.
With the advent of television in the 1930s, the video editing process became even more common. Initially, television programs were broadcast live, but later began to be recorded on film. Since then, to speed up the pacing and move from one scene to another, they had to be edited.
As technology developed, digital video editing has become accessible to more and more users. Modern editing software, like Adobe Premiere or Avid, and even online video editors make it easy to create any video from scratch. They offer many features, including adding effects and animations, applying color correction, and working on audio tracks.
Types of video editing
There are various types and methods used in video editing depending on the purpose and nature of the project.
One of them is linear editing – a process in which material is edited in the sequence in which it will be played. Changes at the beginning of the sequence require re-recording of all subsequent material. It’s rare nowadays but still used in some types of broadcasting and archiving.
Another widely known type is non-linear editing (NLE), which allows for editing in any order, without the need for re-recording. One can easily insert, delete, and make other changes to media files using various PC or mobile video editors. NLE is widely used in creating movies, TV shows, video content for the Internet and other digital media.
NLE can also be divided into offline and online editing, which share similarities but also differ. In simple terms, offline editing is the initial stage where the editor works with low-quality copies of the original footage to speed up the process and create a general idea of how the video should look in the end. With online editing, the same changes are applied to the high-quality files to render the final version.
Future of video editing
In today’s digital age, new technologies are opening the door to exciting opportunities. One such technology is virtual reality (VR), which rapidly evolves as an editing tool. Using headsets, users can be transported to a completely different environment. As such, VR opens up endless possibilities for storytelling and the editing process is much more immersive.
AI editing is also leaving an impact, as it’s possible to analyze large amounts of data and collect information about the preferences of viewers more quickly. This leads to the ability to personalize and streamline editing according to specific needs.
Real-time editing is also on the rise – it allows for changing video, audio, and other media elements instantly, without the need for pre-rendering or processing. With it, editors can see the results of their actions immediately, making the process much faster, more intuitive, and more efficient. Of course, this requires using powerful devices in return.
FAQs
When was color video invented?
In 1902, English inventor Edward Turner patented a method for creating true color films. However, since 1932, it became more common with the advent of the Technicolor system which used three black-and-white films to capture red, green, and blue. This system became the basis for color cinema.
How were movies edited before computers?
It was done physically and required precision and a lot of labor. Basic techniques included cutting and splicing film, using editing tables and optical printers to add special effects, and linear videotape editing.
What was the first digital video editing software?
The CMX 600 laid the foundation for the development of digital editing and the introduction of NLE systems. Its appearance showed that it was possible to edit video using computers, which later led to the invention of more affordable and powerful software.
Conclusion
Editing videos was a laborious process in the past, but nowadays, thanks to digital technology, it has become quicker and more available. Now anyone can easily create and edit videos on their PCs and even on mobile devices.
