Lesson 1: Editing Workflow — Organize → Assemble → Refine → Export

Why this matters

Editing is where your story becomes clear. A simple workflow saves time and makes your video stronger.

Learning goals

By the end of this lesson, you can:

• Organize clips quickly (so you don’t get lost)
• Build a rough cut using a simple editing workflow
• Export a draft video for feedback

The 4-step editing workflow (keep it simple)

1) ORGANIZE (10–20 minutes)

Goal: Put your clips in order so editing is easy.

Do this first:

• Create a folder called: Week6_VideoForPurpose
• Move all related clips into it
• Delete obvious mistakes (black clips, accidental recordings)
• Rename best clips if possible (optional):
  • WS_market.mp4, CU_hands.mp4, Interview_01.mp4

✅ Quick tip: Don’t try to “perfect” anything yet—just organize.

2) ASSEMBLE (30–60 minutes)

Goal: Build your story from beginning to end.

Start with:

• Hook (0–5 sec) – grab attention
• Context (5–15 sec) – what is the issue?
• Main story (15–60 sec) – show the reality + people
• Meaning (last 10–20 sec) – why it matters / what should change

✅ Rule: Put clips in story order first. Don’t worry about music or effects yet.

3) REFINE (30–90 minutes)

Goal: Make it smoother and clearer.

Refine using these:

• Trim long parts (remove “dead time” at the start/end)
• Improve pacing (keep it moving)
• Add B-roll to cover cuts
• Check sound levels (don’t let audio jump up/down)
• Add simple text (title + names if needed)

✅ “Good rough cut” rule: If your message is clear and the story makes sense, it’s ready for feedback.

4) EXPORT (5–15 minutes)

Export your Rough Cut v1:

• Format: MP4
• Resolution: 720p or 1080p
• Name it:
  Week6_FirstName_LastName_RoughCut_v1.mp4

Mini-checklist

• My clips are organized
• I have a beginning–middle–end
• My rough cut is exported for feedback