Week 12 — Video Essay Editing Lab
Group Videos
Rough Cut Checklist
- Does your essay have a clear beginning, middle, and ending (even loosely)?
- Does the pacing feel intentional? Where does it drag?
- Is your voice-over understandable and appropriately paced?
- Do images add meaning beyond illustrating the words?
- Is sound supporting mood and clarity (not cluttering the piece)?
- Do you need more visuals, more silence, or less explanation?
Optional AI Tools (Use as Needed)
AI tools are optional. They can help you prototype and refine, but they should support your essay rather than replace your thinking.
AI Voice (ElevenLabs)
- Use AI voice if it fits your concept (or if you prefer not to record your own voice)
- Keep it intentional: choose a tone and pacing that matches your visuals
- Rewrite VO text as you edit—small changes in wording can dramatically improve flow
- If you use AI voice, credit it in your end credits
AI Music (Suno) and Music Strategy
- Music should support rhythm and mood without overpowering the voice
- Use AI music for drafts, experiments, or final pieces if it fits your concept
- Keep track of what you generate and label versions clearly
- Include music credits at the end
AI Images / Clips (Optional)
- Use generated images or clips to create metaphor, abstraction, or illustrative cutaways
- Keep AI visuals stylistically consistent with the rest of the essay when possible
- Don’t rely on AI as filler—use it where it adds meaning
- Credit AI tools used in the end credits
Working with Stills, Graphics, and Archival Footage
Stills & Graphics
- Use still images to provide evidence, context, or contrast
- Make stills cinematic: scale, pan, crop, duration, and transitions matter
- Use captions or source labels when needed
Archival / Public Domain Video
- Use archival or public-domain footage as illustration, texture, or historical context - not evidence
- Make sure the source is allowed and credited properly
- Consider how archival footage changes meaning when paired with your voice or text
Public Domain Music (Alternative to AI Music)
- Look for public-domain music or properly licensed tracks
- Keep track of where music comes from and include credits
- Mix carefully: voice should stay intelligible
Tools & Resources
- ElevenLabs (AI voice generation)
- Suno (AI music generation)
- Internet Archive: Moving Image Archive (archival / public domain video)
- Library of Congress Collections (historic photos, audio, film materials)
- Wikimedia Commons (stills, graphics, some video)
- Free Music Archive (music with clear licenses)
- Incompetech (royalty-free music with attribution info)
- Creative Commons Search (find CC-licensed media)
- Pexels Video (free stock video)
- Pixabay Video (free stock video)