After the Shoot

Procedure

Watch the tapes and log all the raw footage, noting which shots are good and which are bad. Write down WHEN the video appears and how long the shot lasts, WHAT the video is about, and HOW it sounds. Write down good quotes you might use. Include the location in the footage of each shot you will be using. This is where burnt-in time codes come in handy. To log the tape, rewind to the beginning and decide which shots you want. You may not want a shot if the audio is unclear or the picture is out of focus. Logging tapes can be tedious, but it is important for locating shots later. Below is an example of how the log sheet should look:

Examples

 

Begin	End	Description	Video	Audio	Comments
00:01:20	00:02:10	Blower Door	Bad Focus	Sound of cars	Keep looking
00:02:35	00:02:50	Insulating	Good	Good	Must Use
00:03:00	00:03:25	Host	Good	Inaudible	No good
00:04:00	00:04:30	Trees/skyline	Good	Good	Use in opening

Edit Decision List

 
Create an Edit Decision List and script for the editor. An EDL is how you convey your ideas to the editor. You list the sequence of scenes you will want, along with titles, credits, special effects, and music. Also include a brief description of the shot and the audio. This is mostly used when the producer leaves creative control up to the editor.
Editing can be very costly, so the more organized you are the better. The rule of thumb is 1 hour of editing= 1 finished minute of tape.

 

Tape No.	Shot Description	Take No.	Time In	Time Out	Transition	Music	Comments
2	Blower Door Demo	3	00:01:34	00:01:50	Cut	None	Technicians name
1	Host	2	00:02:20	00:02:56	Cut	None	Blue title (top)
5	B-Roll of House	1	00:03:00	00:03:25	Dissolve	Jazz	Graphics-Logo
2	Interview	4	00:05:06	00:06:10	Cut	None	Insert photo #2

Extras

Choose sound effects, graphics, music, titles, and other "extras." Once this is complete, the editing can begin. Most producers attend the editing sessions to correct unforeseen problems in the footage and to fine-tune certain clips. Others leave creative control to the editor. They leave the EDL and any special instructions for the editor to follow.

Once the editing is done, the producer will approve the final package. Then, the duplication can begin. There are several distribution options for duplication, including VHS, SVHS, CD, DVD, Web site, and satellite. Not everyone will be able to view all these options, but most viewers will be able to view a VHS tape and a Web site. Obtain the Beta tapes, both original and edited, from the production or editing company.

Film as much B-roll as possible to avoid having to come back later. Label all the tapes that were used as soon as you take them out of the camera. Lastly, make sure all equipment is packed away properly.