Want to make and edit a video but don’t know how? In this tutorial, Theresia’s Ambassadress Irina Fartat helps you start filming, in four easy steps.
Last October I had my first opera production with Theresia Orchestra.
It was a very interesting experience, and as I was working and rehearsing during the residency, I was thinking how lucky I was to be a part of a project like that. I realized that not everyone gets to see the “making of” of an opera production, and that it’s a pity because it is a really interesting process. During a show, one can only imagine how many people are working behind the scenes in order to have a successful concert.
So I came up with the idea of making a video presenting the people involved in an opera production. A simple video that anyone could understand, even someone who never studied classical music, or that has never been in an opera house in their life. Through this video, I also wanted to encourage people who would consider going to an opera concert, but are maybe intimidated because it’s a new experience.
And here it is!
You must understand that this idea came up right in the middle of a rehearsal, while I was already in Rieti, a small town in Italy. I was lucky enough to have attended the ambassador workshop at the beginning of my year as an Ambassadress of Theresia, where I learned some basic skills of video shooting and editing. However, I only had my iPhone with me as a recording device, I didn’t have a microphone, or any recording device to isolate the sound. Even though I didn’t believe that I would find microphones in Rieti, I actually managed to find one, and I was able to make the video.
I am in no way an expert in video making. I am still a bit intimidated in the whole process, but I am learning a bit every day. So, I was thinking that by sharing the little experience I have with the video editing, I will motivate someone who, like me, was a bit intimidated in the whole process. And, who knows, some of you may discover a new passion for filming.
Step 1: What is your video about?
Do you want to film yourself practicing? Maybe you discovered a great practicing way that will help others as well, and you would like to make a tutorial? Or you would like to take an interview from someone you admire? Or make a short documentary.
There are so many ideas to be shared with the world. It would be a pity to keep them all for ourselves. After you came up with your idea, make a small plan for your video. Is it a storyline? Does it need an introduction and an ending? Will you include pictures in it as well? The possibilities are endless.
Step 2: Have the equipment ready
Your smartphone already has a great camera, and a microphone. However, your iPhone’s microphone will pick out every sound, so in order to focus the sound on one objective, investing in a microphone will be a great idea. It doesn’t have to be a fancy one, I bought mine from one of those gadget shops that are literally everywhere. The price was about 20 Euros, and it really worked. You can also order it online if you are planning your video shooting in advance, and don’t get spontaneous ideas like me.
Don’t worry if you can’t find a microphone, though, the microphone from your earbuds works as well.
Step 3: 3…2…1…ACTION! This is the most fun part.
Go on and discover the world through your camera! The world is your oyster, use your creativity and your curiosity.
You can either film a longer video, and cut parts of it in the editing process, or film small videos and put them together later. Just make sure that you have more than one take, as things may go wrong, and you might realize when editing that you can not use what you filmed (sound off, image too bright, too dark, your finger was on the lense etc.).
Step 4: Time for editing
Now it is the time to use what you filmed and switch the parts around like a puzzle until everything falls into place. If you have an iphone or a Macbook, you can use iMovie, TikTok is also pretty good when it comes to video editing, and I also recommend CapCut. Again, use your creativity, you can edit the light, increase or decrease the volume of the sound, add text, add stickers, add anything you think will improve your video and make your creation complete. There is no wrong way to do it, and you will have a public for anything you may choose to do. My recommendations:
- Vertical or horizontal? Consider in advance on what channel you will post your video. For YouTube the best is a horizontal layout, while on TikTok or Instagram the best is a vertical one.
- The duration: How long will your video be? On YouTube, the maximum video length is 12 hours, on Instagram a newer update allows you to post videos under 15 minutes, and TikTok has a limit of 10 minutes. However, take in consideration the short attention span of our generation if you want your video to be super catchy and easy to watch.
- Use captions/subtitles: People watch video on their phones and may not always have their sound on, or we have to consider people who are not able to hear, or simply someone who might not understand the language spoken in the video. I personally got really frustrated with this one until I found an app that allowed me to use subtitles for a vertical video format. I even made a little frustration song. You can find it here.I finally found a free and easy to use app, that I mentioned above, CapCut. Besides adding subtitles, you can use it to edit the whole video.
- Be yourself! As I said before, use your creativity and imagination and just be yourself. The more fun you are having, and the more invested you will be in the process of creation, the better your video will turn out. Just have fun and good luck!
I have learned so much from every video I made. I am sure I will learn even more in the future, so I encourage you to just give it a go. Maybe you will find that video making is your passion, and it will stimulate your creativity and imagination.
So just go for it and 3…2…1…ACTION!
