0-60 seconds: Super short snappy videos: Editing

Editing is what can turn a jumbled collage of images into cinema magic. It can be daunting, but we've listed a few easy to use apps on this page that should help you get started.

The easiest way to get started is to use the YouTube Editor (see video below)...but we've included a number of apps that you can use.

What else is here?

• Instructions for using the YouTube Editor (free)
• Links to theoretical explanations of editing
• Lists (and links) of our favorite free/cheap editing apps
• Advanced tutorials that we recommend (including Lynda.com)

As a budding editor, the fastest way to become a pro is simply to jump right in and start editing.

Here's are some pro tips to get you started:

BIG tips from "12 Tips to Better Editing" (from Oliver Peters' digitalfilms)

• Cut tight – "The best editing approach is to cut tight scenes without becoming too “cutty”. This means taking out unnecessary pauses between actors’ delivery of dialogue lines. Sometimes it mean tightening the gaps within dialogue sentences through the use of carefully placed cutaways. It may also mean losing redundant lines of dialogue, after the director has reviewed your cut." (From "12 Tips to Better Editing", from Oliver Peters' digitalfilms blog.)

• Shaping story – It is said that there are three films: the one that’s scripted, the one that’s been filmed and the one that’s edited. When you cut a feature, pay close attention to the story chronology and don’t be afraid to veer from what was written or filmed if it makes sense to do so. Many editors use note cards on a storyboard wall to create a quick visual representation of the storyline. This helps you make sure that you reveal things to the audience in the most logical order and that nothing is inadvertently edited out of place.

Other tips from 12 Tips to Better Editing:

• Listen to/use temporary music while editing (editing is a very musical process, and the music that you listen to whilst editing will likely influence the flow and timing of the movie). Try editing to the music you will actually be using in the final film...if you can't do this, try and find something that has a similar feel and tempo.
• Don't cut back to the exact same angle (e.g., when you cut from "Character A" to "Character B" and then return to "Character A", try to return to a slightly different angle, for both variety and the dramatic possibilities).
• Pull the air out of actors’ performances - (this is very similar to the first rule, "Cut Tight")
• Make your choices, but be prepared for others 

From the Official Google/YouTube help page:

Meet Lynda.com (a collection of nearly ALL the technology training videos you could ever want.)

Click on the link here to go directly to JWU's direct login (JWU credentials needed if off-campus).

After going into Lynda, try searching or browsing for the following categories:

Bonus! If you don't have your own account, or are not affiliated with a library that has a shared account, you can use Lynda through ASKRI's Library Center.

(AskRI has 9 licenses for Lynda.com available on a first-come, first-served basis to staff working in Rhode Island libraries. Ocean State Libraries (OSL) also has licenses available for the staff of public libraries. You will need to login to your OSLConnects account.)