VIDEO EDITING BASICS TO PRO COURSE
Trainer: Fatima Akbar
Duration: 1-2 Months
Status: 100% Free
Phase 1: Foundation (Beginner Level)
1. Introduction to Video Editing Concepts
Understand the basic terms and concepts of video editing (cutting, transitions,
pacing, etc.).
Watch sample videos on YouTube to understand different video editing styles and
techniques.
Storytelling basics: Learn how video editing helps tell a story. Study narrative
structure: beginning, middle, and end.
2. Getting Started with Premiere Pro
Installation & Setup: Install Adobe Premiere Pro and set up your workspace.
Workspace Familiarization: Learn about different panels (Timeline, Project panel,
Program monitor, etc.).
Basic Tools:
Cutting, trimming, and arranging clips.
Learn basic transitions (cross dissolve, fade in/out).
Audio syncing and basic audio editing.
Learn to import media (audio, video, images).
3. Simple Editing Techniques in Premiere Pro
Timeline Editing: Learn how to place clips in the timeline and perform basic editing
operations.
Effects and Transitions: Basic video and audio effects like adjusting brightness,
contrast, color correction.
Text and Titles: Add text layers, titles, and basic animations for intro or outro screens.
Exporting Videos: Understand how to export your project in different formats,
including settings for YouTube, Vimeo, etc.
4. Understanding Storytelling in Video
Learn how editing shapes narrative: Watch films or short videos and analyze how the
editing flows to create emotion, tension, or pacing.
Basic story structure:
How to establish a beginning, middle, and end.
How to build up emotional peaks using pacing and timing.
Introduction to Storyboarding: Learn basic storyboarding to visualize how to
structure shots.
5. Assignments:
Create a simple YouTube-style vlog or short film with footage you already have (try to
focus on learning to cut and organize clips).
Work with basic color correction and audio balancing to make your video sound and
look good.
Phase 2: Intermediate Level
1. Deep Dive into Premiere Pro
Advanced Timeline Editing:
Learn to use multi-camera editing for interviews, action shots, etc.
Use nested sequences to simplify complex edits.
Learn how to use the pen tool for keyframing and manipulating clips precisely.
Motion Graphics & Effects:
Learn to create motion graphics and work with the Essential Graphics panel.
Experiment with motion tracking (basic camera movements or objects in your
shots).
Advanced Audio Editing:
Work with audio keyframes, equalization, compression, and noise reduction.
Learn to sync sound with video clips, voiceovers, and music.
2. Introduction to After Effects
After Effects Basics: Set up your workspace and learn the basic tools in After Effects.
Understanding Keyframes: Learn how to animate objects using keyframes and
understand motion graphics.
Layering: Work with layers to create depth and effects. Create simple compositions.
Intro to Compositing: Learn basic compositing techniques like layering video clips,
green screen (chroma key), and using masks.
3. Color Grading and Correction
Basic Color Correction: Understand white balance, exposure, and contrast.
Advanced Color Grading: Work with the Lumetri Color Panel in Premiere Pro to adjust
the mood and tone of your video.
Learn how to use LUTs (Look-Up Tables) and create your own color looks.
4. Storytelling in Editing
Learn about visual storytelling: How editing, lighting, sound, and composition create
mood and emotion.
Pacing and Rhythm: Study the pacing of your video to either build tension (in
suspenseful moments) or create flow (in educational content).
Show, Don’t Tell: Learn how to express ideas visually and reduce reliance on dialogue.
5. Assignments:
Create an intro video or short story film with a focus on pacing, sound design, and
visual storytelling.
Start working with motion graphics in After Effects (e.g., create an animated intro or
lower third).
Work on a music video edit (mixing audio, cuts, effects, and transitions).
Phase 3: Advanced Level
1. Mastering After Effects
Advanced Motion Graphics:
Learn to create complex animations using shapes, text, and logos.
Work with particles (using plugins like Trapcode Particular) to add visual effects
like smoke, fire, or rain.
Advanced Compositing Techniques:
Work with green screen footage, use rotoscoping, and composite different layers
together.
Learn 3D camera tracking and create 3D space within After Effects.
Advanced Text Animation: Learn how to create advanced text animations, kinetic
typography, and effects for titles.
2. Advanced Editing Techniques in Premiere Pro
Speed Ramping: Learn how to create smooth speed changes (slow motion or time
lapse) and use them creatively.
Advanced Keyframing: Work with motion effects, such as scaling, rotation, and
positioning, to animate clips and graphics.
Dynamic Link with After Effects: Work with Premiere Pro and After Effects together
using Dynamic Link to make complex effects and transitions seamlessly integrate into
your timeline.
3. Sound Design and Mixing
Learn advanced sound design techniques: creating soundscapes, layering audio
elements (foley, ambient sounds, etc.).
Advanced Audio Mixing: Use tools like Adobe Audition for better audio editing and
mixing, or work within Premiere Pro using the Audio Track Mixer.
Learn to integrate sound effects, voiceovers, and background music properly to
enhance the storytelling.
4. Storytelling at an Advanced Level
Advanced Narrative Structures: Understand nonlinear editing techniques, such as
flashbacks, montages, and time manipulation.
Emotional Impact: Learn how to manipulate pacing and timing to elicit specific
emotional responses from your audience.
Character Building in Editing: Use editing techniques like reaction shots, close-ups,
and cutaways to reveal more about characters or to develop themes in your story.
5. Collaborative Projects & Portfolio Building
Work on collaborative projects to refine your skills in teamwork, communicating with
directors or clients, and delivering a finished product.
Focus on portfolio development: Build a strong demo reel with your best work,
showcasing your skills in editing, motion graphics, compositing, and storytelling.
Phase 4: Specialization (Optional)
If you want to specialize in specific areas of video editing or production, you can further
refine your skills in one of the following:
1. VFX and Motion Graphics: Master advanced visual effects and 3D animation.
2. Documentary or Narrative Filmmaking: Focus on storytelling techniques specific to
documentaries or short films.
3. YouTube Content Creation: Learn how to edit vlogs, tutorials, and branded content.
4. Music Video Editing: Explore fast-paced cuts, syncing with music, and creative
transitions.
5. Color Grading for Cinematic Looks: Specialize in grading for film, TV, or commercial
projects.
Additional Resources for Learning:
YouTube Channels:
Premiere Gal, Film Riot, Peter McKinnon, Fatima Akbar and Video Copilot (for After
Effects).
Online Courses:
Skillshare (good for hands-on projects), Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning for structured
courses.
Books:
In the Blink of an Eye by Walter Murch (editing philosophy).
The Visual Story by Bruce Block (film storytelling).
Practice:
Start creating your own projects as soon as you learn new concepts. Consistent
practice is the key to mastering video editing.
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