An edit decision list is crucial to the process.

The Editing Process (2)

The process just described on the previous page concerns by far the most basic edit possible and uses the most rudimentary equipment. The more advanced and precise editing systems and methods are, the more complex the means by which video information is organized, accessed, and transferred into a sequence.

In a very basic system such as that described, the operator may unscientifically gauge when to make cuts and punch the specific button where he or she wants material to be copied. In advanced systems, such tasks are electronically programmed into a computer and precisely executed according to extremely accurate timing systems.

On longer videos especially, the editing process can be quite complicated. A crucial part of most editing tasks is the editing script or EDL (edit decision list). An EDL is a list of the shots you want to use, in the order in which you want to use them. The EDL will include the beginning and ending points of each shot. In very basic systems, these points may be specific visual or aural references, and you may need to manually time the length of each edit. Advanced systems have special coding systems by which you can designate the edit points.

Although creating an edit script may require a good deal of time, having a good script before you begin to make the edits will save you a great deal of effort. Ideally, most of your editing decisions will have been made ahead of time by reviewing the tapes, so that you will have less to worry about when you sit down to actually make the edits.

EDL form.