Non Linear Editing For Everyone
...a twelve step program for eliminating the disgusting and embarrassing habit of
creating video programming with traditional analog gear!

YOUR BRAIN - YOUR CAMERA - YOUR COMPUTER - YOUR MOVIE
NEW Create Your Own Videos!
"Don't let the governor be the only one in town making movies. Anyone with a little creativity, a video camera and a newer computer can quickly turn out good-looking training materials, PSAs, promotional pieces or short clips for a web page.  In this session you will learn how to create a simple storyboard, load video footage into a computer, edit the clips, add transitions, special effects, sound and credits.  No need to have your own computer, if you take this class you can use Access Media's high-end equipment."
Sponsors:
Date: Friday, February 26th 2004
Time: 9 am - 12 Noon
Location: Coloma Community Center, Mariposa Room (Access MediaLab)
Lead Instructor: Wes Doak, DVPA member/award winner. Film/video producer/Actor/Composer, film festival juror, publisher of the Film Review Index™.
Note #1. All products mentioned on this site are copywrited.
Note #2. All recommendations (unless otherwise noted) are the personal views of the instructor not of the sponsoring organizations. Your situation may well call for other options.

Website created by Wes Doak, MLIS, CFRE, DVPA, WOW, HTML Writers Guild....
Website development & design colleagues for this class include: Pat Doak and Scott Newkirk.
Copyright 2000/2001/2002/2003/2004 Wes Doak. All rights reserved. Last updated 10December2004

All commentary found on this site are the observations of the author

and based upon his experience with the resources mentioned.
 
  1. Introduction/Orientation
  2. Class Outline
  3. Quizzes, exams and graduation requirements
  4. Resources (updated almost daily)
  5. Books
  6. Magazines/journals
  7. Newspapers
  8. Websites and other Internet sites
  9. Stock Footage
  10. FAQs
  11. Gear & Software(recommended1)
Class Outline

Introduction

History of NLE, your Instructor, contacts, et al.

Unit One

The Storyboard

Unit Two

The Camera, part one

Unit Three

The Camera, part two

Unit Four

The Computer

Unit Five

Lighting

Unit Six

Audio (VO, Sound effects, score, et al)

Midterm

You're going to love it! Or we may just do a review?

Unit Seven

Selected Software (Macintosh)

Unit Eight

Selected Software (Windows)

Unit Nine

The Shoot

Unit Ten

The Editing Process

Unit Eleven

Selecting the medium for distribution

Unit Twelve

Transferring, copying, distribution

Final

Then pack your bags for Hollywood, Paris, New York....

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Your lead instructor for this online class is Wes Doak. Mr. Doak holds professional credentials in Library & Information Science, Program Management and Evaluation, HTML writing, Fundraising and Archives Administration. He is an active member in such diverse organizations as the Digital Video Producers Association and the American Library Association, the Alliance for Community Media, the Program Management Institute, American Evaluation Association, and the World Organization of Webmasters. He has taught information technology, library science and new media at UCLA, CSU Sacramento and Sacramento City College and has been a guest lecturer throughout the US, Europe and Asia on topics ranging from the Intenet to new media and the future of information technolog(ies). Click here to view a current resume. You may contact your instructor at any time concerning this course at wesdoak@mousemagic.com. We can not provide free consulting in these technologies areas at no charge.
David Michael has produced hundreds of video productions for government, public access stations, the military and others and currently teaches nonlinear editing for Access Sacramento. David has won three "Hometown" video awards which indicate top national honors for his directing and production skills. David will be on hand personally on February 27th for the Nonprofit Resource Center training sessions.
Pat Doak is an iMoviemaker, a quicktimer and a specialist in database integration into websites, presentations and digital movies. He makes his home in the Pacific Northwest but due to the magic of the Intenet works closely with the rest of the team members who developed and administer this site.
Scott Newkirk recently won top national notice for his webmaster work from the Alliance for Community Media. He is the master of the digital domain with skillsets in both web authoring and digital video.
 

This website was originally designed as part of an online class at a community college in the Sacramento, California, area. Eventually it will morph into an just such a class with online exams, homework, grade tracking, student counseling and all the features of a legitimate online credit course. Until one can actually register for credit the website will continue to be upgraded; however, you may take advantage of it without out any fees...and without any formal credit. If you complete all the lessons and wish to have a certificate of completion you may send me an e-mail and I will try to get such a certificate to you in short order. If you are so inclined, your feedback would be an excellent "fee" for this class. If you are willing to make suggestions about resources, concepts, homework or other aspects of the class I would appreciate your email. Please send comments and requests to wesdoak@mousemagic.com. Thank you.

 
Nonlinear editing of video is a relatively new field of new media creation and distribution and a few resources on current best practices, technologies and trends are worth reviewing here. Rather than develop all this anew, allow me to recommend some websites, usually developed by product vendors, which do a great job explaining the world of digital video, NLE and, sometimes, how their products fit into that mix.
Digital Video explained.
Desktop Video #1 - Video Basics and Tips
Digital Cameras explained.
Guide to buying a video camera
Digital Video editing explained.
(Idiot's guide or "X for Dummies" at Amazon or Borders....(latest edition)
CD technologies explained.
 
DVD technologies explained.
DVD Technologies Explained
Video on the WWW explained.
 
 
Quiz for Introduction/Orientation
Write a one paragraph, original text...no copy and paste allowed here...on each of the six (6) concepts itemized above. That should take about one page of "typewritten" text. Then add a second full page of original writing covering why you are investigating digital video and NLE and how you plan to use your knowledge of these technologies and artistry in your present or future career. Send the two pages via email to dvnle1@mousemagic.com. The second quiz/homework assignment will be emailed to dvnle2@mousemagic.com etc. There will be a quiz/homework assignment for each lesson. You may take as long as you wish to complete the course as long as it does not take you more than six months from quiz/homework assignment #1 through quiz/homework assignment #12.
 
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The point of storyboarding is to formulate your idea of what to shoot befoe you actually shoot. This fundamental process will save you time and help ensure that you are capturing all the video you need for a completed project. It doesn't have to be fancy; just plan ahead and write it down!
 
Commercial software (selected)
  • Directors NoteBook (Mac/Win)
  • Final Draft; the screenwriter's choice (Mac/Win)
  • Syd Field, Screenwriting workshop (VHS cassette) {same source as Final Draft}
Do-it-yourself software (selected) {numerous examples on the WWW}
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Works
  • AppleWorks
 
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Look for:
  • Size
  • Number of CCDs
  • Viewfinder
  • Microphone
  • MiniDV, not Micro or Digital8
  • Focus
  • Shutter speed
  • Night vision/low light
  • S-Video port
  • FireWire port
 
Don't look for:
  • Digital Zoom
  • Special effects (in camera)
  • Date stamp
  • Still photo (it's not still anyway!)
 
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Windows or Macintosh; you'll need a horse!
  • You may also want a CD and/or DVD "burner"
  • An external HD (or removable media) is also a plus
WINXP recommendations as a benchmark
  • Processor speed (1.5GHz)
  • Interface (FireWire or USB2)
  • RAM (512 MB
  • HD (80 GB at 7,200 rpm or faster)
  • Monitor (large as possible)
I also suggest:
  • UPS (No not Brown!)
  • Desk and chair
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • and...proper lighting
 

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Outdoor
 
  • The sun is the best and worst source. No controls and it's on the move all day!
  • It doesn't take much thought to realize that overhead, behind, at the side and in front of the subject make all the difference.
  • Reflectors are cheap and easy to use. Take your time and view the scene.
  • Always shoot outdoor footage first!
 
Indoor
 
  • You control all aspects of indoor lighting but it can be hot and it does cost something if you only include time and talent!
  • Key light means from the side of the camera, in front of the subject(s) and up at a 45 degree angle.
  • Fill light comes from the other side of the camera a just enought to fill some shadows and provide a feeling of depth
  • Back light falls on the back of your subject(s) and creates a rim of light which separates the subjects from the background.
  • Remember that one light source creates different effects on each item in the shoot.
  • Stay away from walls or othe objects which can cause extra shadows.
 
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This is real simple; if your sound is poor your shoot is poor!
  • Don't use the built-in mic unless you have no other choice!
  • Don't use the built-in mic on your PC for VO either.
  • Buy a microphone; don't get a degree in audio production
  • 16 bit audio is better sounding but uses more of your recording space
  • 12 bit audio is usually just fine and you have space to add more audio later(higher end editing software only)
  • 12 bit audio also takes less space on your recording medium
  • Ambient sound is your worst enemy; control it if you can
  • Types of mics
    • Lavalier
    • Directional (shotgun is one type) vs omnidirectional
    • Wireless
  • Does the mic need to be amplified (external power source)?
 
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Free Software (consumer):
Software one might purchase (prosumer or professional:
 

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 Free Software (consumer):
Software one might purchase (prosumer or professional):
 
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 Get your act together!
  1. Storyboard (copies to everyone)
  2. Calendar (copies to everyone)
  3. Weather report (no, not the band)
  4. Crew and calendar and glossary of terms
  5. Scenes/locations and releases
  6. Camera(s)
  7. Batteries, lots more than you think you'll need
  8. Tape(s), lots more than you think you'll need
  9. Tripod(s)
  10. Microphone(s)
  11. Lighting and reflectors
  12. Actors and talent releases
 
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  •  Select computer (system requirements)
  • Select NLE software (check system requirements again!)
  • Transfer footage (clips) to computer
  • Save your original footage
  • Be sure your storyboard and clips add up to the proper program length
  • Name shots if there are very many clips
  • Review length of individual clips
  • Edit individual clips if necessary
  • Check audio levels, and
  • Record additional audio if necessary (including VO)
  • Select special effects (maybe not)
  • Select transitions (including color and font for text)
  • Add tone and color bars if for TV./Cable
  • Preview often and save versions if you have the space on your PC HD
  • Show the work to others; they may see things you have missed.
  • Save to, or "burn", your videotape or CD or DVD.
  • Label all products clearly including lead time to "start"
 

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Quizzes, exams and graduation requirements

 
 
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Resources (updated regularly)

Books (in title order)

 
 
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Magazines/journals (in alphabetical order)

 
 
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Newspapers

 
 
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Websites and other Internet sites (in near alphabetical order)
 
 
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Stock Footage
 
 
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FAQs for digital video
 
 
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Gear/Software (recommended1) [boldface entries are my current configuration
Item
Notes
Personal choice
Model/~Cost
Alternative
Model/~Cost
Camera

I recommend a digital only model

Canon

Canon

XL1

Computer

Speed doesn't kill...it saves time

Apple G5/1+Ghz

Apple

iMac DV $1.5k
Monitor (if needed)

Get the largest you can afford (21"+)

ViewSonic

Apple

Hard Drive

Currently 1 GB = 5 Minutes of DV

VST

VST

VCR

Look for a dual [MDV/SVHS] VCR

JVC

CD Authoring

For NLE you'll most use this medium

Adaptec

Toast

CD "burner"

...for distribution not real authoring.

Iomega

DVD ROM

For now this is used best for storage

Apple

DVD RAM Authoring

Not now for beginning NLE, but soon!

Apple

iDVD3 or 4

Apple

DVDPro
DVD RAM "burner"

Choices are growing daily it seems

Pioneer

NLE software

Start with iMovie!

Apple

iMovie3 or 4

Apple

FinalCutPro3 or 4
NLE software utility

QT 6.X is great and cheap

Apple

QuickTime Latest Ed

NLE

This package can save time, plus!

Terran

MediaCleaner

NLE logging software

Keeping a shot log for each tape, and or edit log for each project, will save time, and your sanity. Don't try to keep everything in your head. Trust me, you don't have enough memory installed there. Processing speed; maybe.

Apple

AppleWorks 6.x $79

Microsoft

Excel
Mini Camera

Apple

iSight

Storyboarding Software

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1Let's get this over with ASAP! Yes, a lot of this gear and software is produced by Apple. I like Apple because it (1) works, (2) is easy to use, (3) is easy to learn and (4) usually less expensive [TVO] than other options. Apple also has (5) excellent product support, and (6) usually has the "treeware" in the box, not on a CD or floppies or on a website. Various heavenly messengers have spoken to me, as well,...often in the oddest places...and told me to use Apple products. To avoid blasphemy, or the appearance thereof, I will not use their names here. Apple does not pay me to say nice things about them or to use their products and/or services. To the best of my knowledge they provide me with the same product support they would provide you and, finally, if someone comes up with hardware or software that I believe is superior to what Apple has to offer it will be on my list in an instant. My recommendations are based solely on experience and the fact that my pocketbook is as thin as yours, maybe thinner. This site runs on results NOT payola, popularity nor favors.

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