BASIC EDITING PROCEDURES

Before we cover the basic procedures of editing videotape, keep in mind that the editing procedures and techniques in place at your NBS detachment may differ from what is portrayed in this section. For training purposes, let's assume a script has been written and the primary narration has been recorded on the production tape. (This is a normal news/production requirement.) Atypical editing sequence might look like this:

1. The editor will work from a log that lists all of the scenes on the tape(s). It may be prepared at the time of the shooting or as the tape is being reviewed at the station or your office. The log will briefly describe the scene and indicate where it is located on the tape (using the counter on the playback VCR).

2. The producer, editor and sometimes the reporter will decide which scenes to use, the order in which to show the scenes and the amount of time you have to tell the story. In some instances (especially at small NBS detachments and aboard ships), one person will make all of these decisions.

3. The editor prepares a blank videocassette with countdown leader and enough control track to cover the length of the story. He then loads it into the edit/record VCR.

4. The raw video is loaded into the playback VCR. Now the editing process is ready to begin.

5. The story is assembled and edited according to the predetermined sequence. Sometimes the audio track is recorded first and the visuals added later. At other times, the sequences are assembled in order, depending on the type of story and available footage.

6. The editor labels the smooth tape with the title of the story, date and run time. A supervisor will review the story and make corrections (if necessary) before it airs.

The technical side of the editing process is fairly easy to learn. With today's technology, the procedure is almost foolproof. Nevertheless, a good videotape editor must have a thorough knowledge of many related skills to provide viewers with a simple, yet effective, message.