Master the Basics: The Secret to Becoming a Better Video Editor
Generally speaking Daniel Batal is one of my “go to” guys for video editing in DaVinci Resolve.
However this week he put out something a little different and very much well worth taking the time to watch.
Before I go any further let’s get something clear here.
This is a livestream and it goes for just over two hours!
So when I say take the time to watch, I mean a lot more time than for just a quick tips video.
In this livestream he doesn’t really get into Resolve specifically although he uses it to demonstrate things.
The actual topic of the presentation is just video editing in general.
It covers how to lift your game as an editor, regardless of what software you are using.
Top 5 AI Video Generators in 2025
OK, so the reality of the current state of video editing is that the news cycles are pretty much dominated by the latest and greatest in A.I.
I also think that will be the case for a while now, so we may have to get used to it.
As I have said before, I have no problem with A.I. effects and generators as long as they are actually useful.
One of the downsides to the subject is that it is a marketer’s dream come true. It provides all sorts of whizz bang visuals that can be used to lure customers in.
So in light of that, here’s a round up of some of the better A.I. video generators in use and how they perform.
The important question you really have to keep asking yourself with this stuff is, “Would I actually use it, and for what?”
The Best AI Masking Tool for Video Editing – PowerDirector
When masking came to consumer level video editing software there was much rejoicing in the land.
However that rejoicing was a little short-lived once we all worked out the limitations of masking in general.
That was because we were working with video and not still images. In our world, stuff moved.
Our only option was to manually keyframe the masks moving as well, and that was very tedious!
Then along came automated motion tracking, which allowed us to attach a mask to an automatically created motion path… woo hoo!
OK, although a step forward the limitations were still real.
Automatic motion tracking had its problems. Often it would “lose” the thing you were trying to track if there was insufficient visual separation between the subject and other elements in the image.
At least at that point it was more a corrective action rather than an endless keyframing action.
This all brings us to today where things have really taken a step forward with A.I.
The original automated motion tracking still exists, but now A.I. has been added.
The A.I. module is actually “watching” the video and understanding what all the elements are.
Therefore, the tracking is much more accurate.
Here’s a look at it in PowerDirector.
Edit Faster With Ripple Editing – PowerDirector
If you are new to PowerDirector or, in fact, new to video editing in general, then there are a few important things you need to know about the timeline.
One of these is the concept of what an asset on the timeline should do when you cut it, extend it, or move it.
By that, I mean what should happen to its position and, more importantly, what should happen to all the other assets on that timeline.
Should they move with that asset, should they stay in place, or should only the assets on the same track move? Or should they stay in place and everything else move!
Here’s an intro to ripple editing in PowerDirector but it applies to all video editing software.
AI Smart Cutout – Remove Backgrounds Fast in Filmora
OK, so this is one of the A.I. driven effects that has been introduced into Filmora this year which I actually can get on board with.
In fact, I use it myself quite often as in most cases (not all) it works just as well as green screen. This is achieved without having to faff around with an actual green screen.
You can see the feature demonstrated in the video below but bear in mind this effect is not perfect.
It is very, very good under most circumstances but remember even these A.I. effects are going to have their limitations.
A subject that blends with a background or lacks sufficient contrast will make it pretty hard for the software to work 100% of the time.
However, if you shoot with relatively good light, to get a decent image in the video, then you should be good to go.
How to Color Grade in CapCut – In Depth Guide
Although CapCut could accurately be described as a very simple or basic video editing solution, there are still plenty of tools inside for working on your videos.
When you compare the color correction and grading tools to a professional suite like DaVinci Resolve, it would be easy to dismiss it. However, in reality, there is a whole bunch of stuff you can control.
In the video below, the guys from Content Creators walk through a few complete color grading sequences. They show what is possible if you know your way around the interface.
How He Faked Celebrities in a Podcast
This is a demo from a guy called Gripps, who I used to refer to back in the day when Corel VideoStudio was active.
Anyhoo in this video he demonstrates a Voice Cloning feature in NoteGPT.
Now I don’t generally deal with podcasts and I don’t generally deal in celebrity cloning!
However, what I have used this service for is to clone my own voice. Then I use that clone of me in my own videos, using other software, the same way he does in the video.
Pretty handy for when I don’t feel like setting up a mike and recording things.
Easy Ways to Enhance ANY Shot in DaVinci Resolve!
Some good tips here from Casey Faris on improving your shots in DaVinci Resolve.
Given the amount of tools you have within the software to do this, it is very easy to go overboard. You could end up with a hot mess by the time you finish.
Heaven know the number of times I have done that myself!
The key message Casey is talking about here is that the key to all of this is to take what is there and very subtly improve it.
No heroics or drastic measures, just a little tweaking to bring out the best.
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