Compile the video footage and obtain the shot list to guide you in editing the video. The shot list should provide basic information like the shot number, name of subject, date of shoot, tape or footage number, take number, shot description and any additional information vital to the production. The concept of the video testimonial must also be clear. The editor must have a complete grasp of what the client wants for the edited video through production documents such as a project brief, audio and visual pegs, script and treatment.
Watch all the video footage and make notes on which ones to possibly use. It can be helpful to refer to the shot list every now and then while viewing the footage.
Transfer the footage to the computer. For tape-based cameras, you must first digitize the footage from the tape to the computer. You may save the files to the computer's internal hard drive or an external hard drive connected to the computer.
The digitizing process requires a compatible tape deck or the actual camera used, which must be connected to the computer via FireWire or USB cable. Capture the footage using a video editing software by playing the footage from the tape deck or the camera in real time.
For file-based cameras, you can directly copy the files to the computer. You may also store the files to an external hard drive connected to the computer. Depending on the camera and the video editing program used, there are some cases that the original file format still needs to be converted to a compatible video file format the editing program can read. If so, use an applicable conversion software to convert the file to a recognizable format.
Import the video files to the video editing project's project bin. To start editing, drag the files to the timeline's video track and assemble the footage according to the order in which you want them to appear. Determining the clip order and which clips and takes to use can be challenging, especially if there are many movie clips involved. The shot list, script and/or sequence treatment can help guide you in deciding which edit should work best.
Fine-edit the video according to the running time intended for the video. Watch every version of the progressing edit and apply any applicable transition effects, visual effects and texts to further enhance the edit.
Add the sound effects and lay in the appropriate music the video needs.
Export the final movie file in your preferred format. It is best to keep the edit project so you can reedit and reexport a new edited version any time needed. It is also ideal to export a high-resolution, preferably uncompressed movie file of the final edit. This master file can be used for converting the movie into other formats and burning copies in DVD and/or Blu-ray disk.