Digital Video Hacks

Chapter 6. Effects

Hacks 61–74

Effects are where the editing process gets to be really fun. Even though you’ve already captured your footage, you can still manipulate it, change its look, and give it your own style. Special effects can be subtle, such as those in Forrest Gump, or blatant, such as those in The Matrix. Using effects, you can also fix problems that occurred while you were shooting.

Give Your Video a “Film Look”

You can get that expensive film look, even when using digital video.

Many people prefer the look of film to the look of video. Unfortunately, film is expensive to shoot with. But, if you are willing to plan ahead, shoot under certain conditions, and take a little time in post-production, then you can come close to giving your video a “film look.” Figure 6-1 shows an unaffected frame of video, and the same frame with a film-look applied.

Figure 6-1. Video as shot (left) and with a “film look” applied (right)

Shooting Like Film

If you know you are going to process your video to look like film, you should plan accordingly before you shoot any footage. Part of the look of film is the way it is shot. Simple things, such as lighting a scene instead of relying on natural light, can make an enormous difference in the look of your video.

Also be aware of how you move your camera. For example, use a crane or dolly as opposed to panning or tilting, because ...