Lesson 5 - Part 2 - Project Files - Video & Audio Clips for the 5x5 Exercise

You can watch the full video tutorial - https://youtu.be/KF8rY6c0eyc


In this in-depth tutorial, we dive into the art of editing a five-by-five video project, focusing on syncing visuals with rhythm, adding color grading, and enhancing audio. This lesson is designed for those looking to develop their editing skills with practical, step-by-step guidance.

Introduction and Overview
We begin by setting up the timeline and introducing the five-by-five video concept—five video clips, each lasting five seconds, edited to music. This section covers arranging the clips on the timeline, understanding the rhythm of cuts, and setting the foundation for further edits. The tutorial highlights the importance of making intentional editing choices to support the flow of the video.

Syncing Edits with Music and Managing Tracks
This segment demonstrates how to sync video cuts to the beat of a drum track, covering both on-beat and off-beat editing techniques. Using the arrow keys and Command+B shortcut, we trim and align clips to hit key beats. Stu also explains how to unlink audio and video for more flexible editing, allowing precise timing adjustments. Techniques for cutting, extending, and linking clips help achieve seamless transitions that sync perfectly with the music track.

Refining Edits with Audio Stems and Adjusting Sync
In Part 3, we focus on layering additional audio stems—drums, bass, and melody—while keeping the sync with the video cuts intact. Using transitions and the audio crossfade, we ensure smooth audio shifts between sections. Adjusting the volume of each stem helps achieve a balanced sound mix, while the “Up Arrow” shortcut is introduced for navigating cuts quickly. Stu also explains how to avoid over-adjusting cuts to maintain rhythm consistency.

Adding Titles and Fine-Tuning Transitions
Stu demonstrates title creation, from basic text insertion to adjusting font, spacing, color, and opacity. He shows how to use subtle shadows and keyframes to add depth and movement to titles. This section also covers different transition types, like “Video Cut Audio Cross,” to create smooth audio-visual flow. By experimenting with color schemes, positioning, and fade durations, the title sequence seamlessly integrates with the overall video style.

Visual and Audio Polishing, Color Grading
In the final part, we address color grading and fine-tuning the edit. Stu highlights how to watch the video with audio muted to focus purely on visuals, identifying where movement or additional adjustments are needed. We add subtle scaling and movement to still clips, introducing keyframes for gentle zooms or pans, enhancing visual interest. Color grading is applied to specific clips, balancing cyan, magenta, and contrast levels to match the scene’s tone and mood.

The tutorial concludes by refining the audio track’s ending to sync with the final visual beat, adding a clean “END” title card, and ensuring the total runtime aligns with the project’s 25-second target. This comprehensive guide will leave you with a polished video, tips for managing visuals and audio, and a solid foundation for future editing projects.