Video Editing Services

Got video...but don't really know what to do with it? Video editing can be overwhelming even though there are many do-it-yourself programs available now. It can be particularly difficult if your video needs extensive cutting, titling, and corrections for contrast, brightness, or color. Perhaps you would like to avoid the frustration and have someone else do the video editing?

If you have video you don't want to edit or you want to shoot your own video but contract the editing, then my video editing service may be your solution. I bill $35.00 per finished minute, with a three minute minimum. My service includes your video, editing, rendering to one video file format, a royalty free soundtrack, simple titling and credits and submission of the finished video to YouTube.com if you want to broadcast your video. Contact me for a quote on your project.

Here are a few tips to consider when you're shooting do-it-yourself video:

• Use a video camera. While shooting video with your cell phone or point-and-shoot camera can be useful, it will leave you with a video that's less than what you want it to be.
• Shoot in HD if your video camera supports it. I can produce a standard definition video from your high defintion video recordings.
• Use a tripod if possible. I know, it seems like too much trouble, but it will make a huge difference in the quality of your video. If a tripod isn't feasible, brace your camera to your body by locking your elbows. Pan with your entire upper body, not just your arms. You can buy a nice video tripod for about $125.00, and you'll find it well worth the money.
• Hand held camera shake is exaggerated when you use the zoom on your video camera. Avoid using zoom unless you are using a tripod.
• Use zoom and pan sparingly. Pan and zoom can be added in post production, particularly if you're shooting in high definition.
• Keep your horizons level and buildings straight up and down. This is easier if you use a tripod and level your tripod and camera.
• Shoot short scenes; think seconds not minutes. A 10 second scene is a long one. You don't necessarily have to stop your camera between scenes, but steady the camera on one scene for a few seconds, then move to the next.
• Unless you are shooting in a controlled environment, like a studio, home, or office, count on the audio being poor. If audio is important to your video production, make sure to take precautions to avoid wind noise, traffic, or other background noise. Remember, if you're talking to someone while you're shooting video, you're recording that conversation on the video's audio track even though you are behind the camera. When you use the zoom controller on your camera, you are most likely introducing noise. Consider using royalty free music instead of the recorded track or make a voice-over track to use instead of the camera audio.
• Don't shoot into the sun or bright light. Place the light behind you. You may have to plan accordingly. For example, if you want great video of the kids in the surf, shoot late in the evening an hour or two before sunset.
• When shooting people, get as close as you can so they are recognizable.
• Remember that sometimes you have to throw out these tips because it's more important to get the shot than setup properly.