Initial Editing: Experimenting Shots

Since we have recently finished filming, we have begun our editing process with the use of the editing software ‘Final Cut Pro’. We therefore decided to experiment with a few shots from our footage collected and as a group we have decided upon two effects which we will be using within the majority of our editing process. These post production effects are known as ‘Hard Light’ and ‘Cartoon’. We chose these effects as we believe that they (in the case of ‘Hard Light’) emphasise the colours of the shots and also (with the use of ‘Cartoon’) bring out the details within the shot making them overall more interesting and aesthetically pleasing for the audience.

The majority of shots within our music video will have the two effects, thus creating a theme through the visual style, although I am sure that some shots may include different effects to create contrasts, however this shall be discovered in the future as and when our editing process continues.

A screen shot taken from editing using Final Cut Pro, showing a before an after image to highlight the effects of ‘Hard Light’

The image above (click to enlarge) shows the post production effect put over a narrative shot of our protagonist walking, this before and after image shows the difference in colour and overall quality gained by using the ‘Hard Light’ effect, therefore it is obvious that this effect will be placed over the majority of shots during editing.

Similarly the image below (click to enlarge) shows the ‘Cartoon’ effect, with a before and after screen shot as before, taken from Final Cut Pro. This image shows the detail enhanced by this chosen effect and this ‘Cartoon’ effect is also likely to be used over the majority of shots within our music video. Significantly both ‘Hard Light’ and ‘Cartoon’ may be used together on shots within our music video to gain a high quality to add to the authenticity of the piece. Although there may be other effects which we use later within our editing process to create a contrast to the visual style of these shots.

An image showing screen shots taken from editing showing the detail added from the ‘Cartoon’ effect through a before and after shot

This image below shows the ‘levels’ which can be adjusted shown by the dial for the ‘Amount’ of each effect, which allows us to change the intensity of the effect within the shots ensuring continuity within our selected footage. Meaning that we can creatively control the ‘level’ of the post production effect to suit our required needs for each specific shot.

A screen shot showing how the levels of the effects can be adjusted

To conclude, the main selected effects for the majority of shots we aim to use for our music video shall be ‘Hard Light’ and the ‘Cartoon’ effect, however any changes of effects added to contrast this theme will be given in future posts. As further information on our editing process will be given in the future as and when we progress within the editing progress, at which time details into the placement of shots, choice and content of the verses (for example) within our music video will be given.

Enjoy