This course is designed to take students from the basics of video editing to advanced techniques used in professional post-production. It will cover the use of industry-standard software, storytelling through editing, sound design, color correction, and more. By the end of the course, participants will be able to edit high-quality videos for various purposes including social media, film, and marketing.
Prerequisites:
- Basic computer literacy
- Familiarity with video formats (optional)
Duration:
8-10 weeks (adjustable based on course depth and intensity)
Course Modules:
Module 1: Introduction to Video Editing
- Lesson 1.1: What is Video Editing?
- History of video editing
- Different types of video editing (linear vs. non-linear)
- Lesson 1.2: Choosing Your Editing Software
- Overview of industry-standard software: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve
- Hardware requirements and setup
Module 2: Understanding the Workflow
- Lesson 2.1: The Editing Process
- Pre-production: Planning, storyboarding, and organizing footage
- Post-production phases: Cutting, trimming, effects, and rendering
- Lesson 2.2: File Management and Project Setup
- Importing footage and organizing files
- Timelines, bins, and sequences
- Saving and exporting in different formats
Module 3: Mastering the Basics
- Lesson 3.1: Getting Familiar with the Interface
- Panels and tools overview
- Timeline basics: Tracks, cuts, transitions
- Lesson 3.2: Basic Editing Techniques
- Trimming and cutting
- Adding transitions (cuts, fades, wipes)
- Syncing audio and video
- Lesson 3.3: Keyboard Shortcuts for Speed and Efficiency
Module 4: Audio and Sound Design
- Lesson 4.1: Working with Audio
- Importing and editing audio files
- Syncing audio with video
- Basic sound editing: Levels, fades, and mixing
- Lesson 4.2: Adding Music and Sound Effects
- Using royalty-free music and sound libraries
- Understanding audio levels and normalization
Module 5: Visual Storytelling Techniques
- Lesson 5.1: Understanding Pacing and Rhythm
- How pacing affects narrative and emotion
- Using cuts and transitions to build a story
- Lesson 5.2: Types of Edits and When to Use Them
- Jump cuts, L-cuts, J-cuts, match cuts, etc.
- Lesson 5.3: Montage Editing
- Creating a sequence of clips to tell a story or evoke emotions
Module 6: Advanced Editing Techniques
- Lesson 6.1: Multi-camera Editing
- Syncing and cutting between multiple camera angles
- Lesson 6.2: Advanced Transitions and Effects
- Working with advanced transitions (speed ramps, match cuts)
- Applying and customizing video effects (blurs, chroma keying, etc.)
- Lesson 6.3: Using Keyframes for Motion and Animation
- Animating objects and transitions using keyframes
Module 7: Color Correction and Grading
- Lesson 7.1: Introduction to Color Theory
- Understanding color psychology in film
- Basic color correction: White balance, exposure, contrast
- Lesson 7.2: Color Grading for Cinematic Looks
- Using LUTs (Look-Up Tables)
- Matching shots for consistency
- Lesson 7.3: Advanced Techniques
- Secondary color correction, color masks
Module 8: Working with Titles, Graphics, and Motion
- Lesson 8.1: Adding Titles and Lower Thirds
- Creating simple text graphics
- Animating titles
- Lesson 8.2: Using Motion Graphics Templates (MOGRTs)
- Introduction to using templates for social media and YouTube
- Customizing templates for your brand
- Lesson 8.3: Animating Graphics and Text
- Working with Adobe After Effects or similar tools
Module 9: Finalizing the Project
- Lesson 9.1: Exporting for Different Platforms
- Exporting for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms
- Understanding compression and export settings
- Lesson 9.2: Reviewing and Quality Control
- Finalizing edits, rechecking sound, color, and visuals
- Rendering settings and output formats
Final Project:
- Create a short 2-5 minute edited video that incorporates all the skills learned throughout the course. The project should include storytelling, audio sync, transitions, effects, and color correction.
Additional Resources:
- Recommended books, websites, and tutorials for continued learning
- Access to stock footage, music, and sound libraries for practice
- Software discounts or trial recommendations
This structure covers both foundational and advanced video editing skills, ensuring that students are well-equipped to handle professional video projects by the end of the course.
