1 Tip I Would Give Someone Just Starting to Edit Videos for YouTube (or Filmmaking)
Updated: Jan 31, 2023
Want to draw your audience into your story (for video and film)?
Pace your cuts.
Here’s 1 tip I would give someone just starting to edit videos for YouTube (or for films):
➡️ Use shot-type to help inform the timing of your cuts.
Don’t let it replace other storytelling techniques (i.e. emotion, information about a character or story). Rather, let this be an assistive tool.
What do I mean by shot-types?
Films are composed of several. For now, we’ll focus on two: Close-ups vs. Wide shots.
Close-up shots: are great for creating intimacy and heightening emotions.
Wide shots: are great for establishing a sense of place and context.
Each can affect the pacing of your film.
CLOSE-UP SHOTS:
These tend to have less “information” on the screen. Generally, you can cut away from them sooner.
For example:
If this sentence was a Close-up, you wouldn’t need 1-min to read it.
Where this tip can lead you wrong is with stronger emotion. Think of it like being with a true friend who’s going through something deeply emotional.
You’re going to sit with them for as long as it takes.
Keep that Close-up shot on screen longer. Let us feel with them.
WIDE SHOTS:
These have far more “information” and detail (scenery). Generally, you’ll leave them on longer.
Think of it like arriving in a new city. It takes time for you to get familiar with the surroundings. So, with wide shots, let your audience get familiar with the space.
BONUS TIP:
Combine close-ups with wide shots.
Long close-up -> quick wide shot — creates tension & release.
Wide shot -> close-up — amplifies emotion (and can create tension)
Do this, and your audience will feel like they’re in the room with you (or your characters).
TL;DR
Adjust the timing of your cuts based on shot-type.
Close-ups: cut sooner (leave longer with emotion)
Wide shots: leave on screen (so your audience gains context)
Help them align with your story (and characters).
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Take this knowledge even further:
StudioBinder has a detailed write up and 16-min video breakdown on how to use Close-ups in visual storytelling (like on YouTube or filmmaking).
See you tomorrow. Matt Cici
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