VideoEditing

Video editing is the process of selecting, trimming, and arranging video clips to create a cohesive sequence. It combines image, sound, and timing to convey narrative, information, or emotion. Modern video editing is typically non-linear, using digital timelines that allow non-destructive edits and flexible rearrangement.

A typical workflow includes media ingest and organization, rough cut, fine cut and picture lock, color grading, audio post-production, visual effects, and final mastering. Ingest involves importing footage, applying metadata, and sometimes creating proxies for throughput. The rough cut lays out structure and pacing; the fine cut polishes continuity and rhythm; picture lock marks readiness for final polish. Color grading adjusts tone and consistency; audio mixing balances dialogue, music, and effects; VFX are added as needed. The final render conforms to delivery specifications for distribution channels.

Key concepts include the timeline, cuts (such as hard cuts and gradual transitions), transitions, and audio-visual syncing with dialogue and sound effects. Common techniques include J-cuts and L-cuts, montage, and color grading, as well as motion graphics and compositing.

Software and formats: Non-linear editors such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Avid Media Composer are widely used. Video may be stored in codecs such as H.264 or HEVC and containers such as MP4 or MOV; outputs vary by resolution and frame rate (e.g., 1080p, 4K, HDR).

Roles and history: Editors work with directors to shape pacing and storytelling. Assistant editors manage media, project organization, and logging. Specialties include color grading (colorists), sound design and mixing, and visual effects artists. The shift from linear tape editing to non-linear digital editing began in the late 1980s and 1990s, enabling real-time manipulation, proxy workflows, and broader accessibility across industries.