You’ve shot some footage for your video that you are very proud of, and you want to take the next step in making it look professional. What you’re going to want to do is clean up the footage and audio in post production.
Most video editing software and add-ons have multiple tools for you to try out. These tools are what you use to clean up your videos and take them to the next level. Here is a list of a few tools you can use.
1. Audio compression
Audio compression is used as a blanket term for cleaning up recorded audio. Filmmakers and content creators are almost guaranteed to need to fix audio problems at some point during production.
Whether it’s raising up the levels of something recorded very low or smoothing out the peaks that shoot up above the normal levels, these audio compression tools will help keep an equal volume all the way through.
2. Image stabilizer
While a lot of filmmakers use a handheld “shaky cam” to achieve a stylistic effect, a lot of the time footage can come out too shaky. In most editing programs there are tools for image stabilization, in which the jerkiness of the footage is smoothed out to an extent.
These tools work great for smoothing out panning shot, and over-the-shoulder shots.
3. Color correction
Color correction is used for lighting issues, color saturation issues, and cinematic effect. By color correcting, you are able to darken up washouts and light up deep shadows, giving the video a more professional quality.
You are also able to add different colored filters over the footage, which adds to the stylistic tone of the video you are making. Color correction tends to be an overlooked tool at times, so just remember to keep it in your back pocket.
4. After effects
After Effects is the name of a sister program to Adobe Premiere. There are other programs with similar functionality, but After Effects tends to be the most used. That being said, find the one that best suits your needs.
These programs let you add special effects to your videos, and depending on your level of commitment, the special effects can come out looking quite professional. These programs generally take a great deal of time and effort to learn the ins and outs of. It may be worth doing, however, depending on what types of videos you are making.
Cleaning up footage in post production is how you get your videos looking professional. Leveling out audio is always a great place to start because how your video sounds is just as important as how it looks. Image stabilizers are a great way to smooth out the rough footage you may have, and color correction can fix some lighting issues while adding a cinematic flair. If you want to put in some extra time and effort, look into a program like After Effects, and see what you can add to your videos.
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Anthony Mauro is a San Francisco State graduate who splits his time between the Bay Area and San Diego. He spends his free time thinking long hair is cool, playing video games for an online audience, and writing short stories, comic books, and novels.
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