Going Pro: Editing and Finishing

Charlie Maher is exploring the boundaries of aging through pro tennis and wanted to create a video series showing what specific steps he’s taking to turn back the clock. Recently, we created a PR video for Charlie to help bring attention to his story. For this follow-up project, Charlie wanted to give his followers some insights into his process for achieving that goal.

(Check out the Discovery to Production Blog post here, which shows all production work up to this point in the project.)

In this blog post, we share our process of Editing and Finishing is the last stage in Boston video agency, Skillman Video Group‘s process for creating a video.

Phases

• Assembly Cut
• B-roll
• Color
• Audio Mix
• Final Review

Phase 1: Assembly Cut

First up in the editing process is to place all of the footage on a timeline and arrange it to make sense. This phase should only include audio and visuals. It is very basic, but the point of this is so the client gives an initial review. Christina Skillman, the CEO and Creative Director, prefers that the client listen to this cut with their eyes closed to follow on the narrative.

She prefers they listen to it so they’re only listening to the story, not seeing any jarring cuts that may not make sense visually. Christina doesn’t want them to be affected by the not yet colorized footage and jump cuts. It’s always great to get a blind reaction first. Once the client approves the assembly cut we move onto adding B-roll.

Phase 2: B-Roll

Round 2! The adding of B-roll. This is where the process differs for this video, compared to most others. Instead of capturing extra footage to put over the interview, the B-roll was the narrative. These videos were made as a training walk-through. It was more of an instructional video, or explanation of what he does, to compete against much younger players.

The video was of him, going through his process, playing with a younger player, going over footwork, and working out in the gym. We were able to capture audio of him talking through his process as he partook in it. This meant, that the B-roll was the main story.

After assembling the B-roll, the video is sent back to the client for a second review. Once approved we move on to the audio mix.

Phase 3: Color

Third, in the Editing and Finishing process, is color grading. The color grading for this video was immaculate, striking, and really brought the footage together. It’s the little touches that make the video go from good to great. The colored footage looked much better than the raw footage and added emotion and vibrance.

Phase 4: Audio Mix

Fourth in line in the Editing and Finishing process is the audio mixing. Unlike the first video we completed for our client, we did not have to add sound effects in the post. We strapped a microphone to our client’s chest, underneath his shirt, so we could get a more raw and energetic sound of audio. This also captured the sounds of the tennis ball, his feet moving, and any other sounds that could be made. This meant that no artificial sounds were placed in the final cut.

After the audio is finished and equalized, the video is sent off for final review by the client.

Phase 5: Final Review

Finally, the last stage in the Editing and Finishing Process, the Final Review. When all of the b-roll and audio is cut and mixed, and color has been graded, the video is sent to the client. He loved the final product, and after these 5 stages were complete, the video had been forged from raw material to a masterful creation.

Check out the final product of The Process of Going Pro below! For more information, please explore our website and blogs about our innovative production process. If you have questions or would like to get started on your own project, contact us at [email protected]!