Add basic video effects and titles

Video effects

Video effects and titles should be the icing on a video project’s cake. Like transitions, effects should be used sparingly and almost without exception, they should never detract from the content of the project.

The key to a successful title sequence is applying it either briefly or subtly. For example, if the video project is only 5 minutes long, ensure any title sequence is under 30 seconds (never exceed 10% of the content time). If it can be shorter, so much the better. If the opening titles have to run beyond this length, copy the professionals. Either start the project with a single ‘title credit’ and put the remaining credits at the end or use ‘lower third’ credits. The latter option is so called as it sits inconspicuously on the lower third of the screen as the actual content of the project plays.

1 Premiere Elements Video Effects

Premiere Elements has a raft of effects including colour tints, old film looks, fake lens flares, auto colour balance filters etc.

To look at the range choose EDIT from the Tasks Panel (right) of the Premiere Elements interface and then click the Effects button below.

To narrow the selection, use the drop down menus or type a keyword. To add an effect to the favourites list, right-click and choose ‘Add to Favourites’.

2 Adding/Removing Effects from clips

With an Effect selected, drag and drop it onto a clip. The Sceneline will immediately update to show the changes (e.g. apply the ‘Black and White’ Effect and the clip in the Sceneline will display black and white).

To remove an Effect, either select Undo (if the Effect was recently applied) or select the clip in the Sceneline, choose the Effects button within the Tasks Panel, highlight the Effect and click the Trashcan icon.

3 Editing an Effect

Most Effects can be edited to taste. Having applied an effect in Step2, select it on the Sceneline, and right-click. Now choose ‘Show Properties’.

Now click the ‘disclosure triangle’ next to the Effect (Lens Flare in this case) in the list. To change the position of this effect, the ‘Flare Center’ was altered by clicking and dragging the values. The Brightness was also changed using the slider.

4 Understanding Slow/Fast motion

In Premiere Elements, slow and fast motion effects are referred to as ‘stretching time’ and handled via the ‘Time Stretch’ tool. The Time Stretch tool is only viewable within the Timeline view so switch to it using the Timeline button. 

Slowing a clip down effectively stretches it out (it takes longer than before so consequently takes more space on the Timeline) whilst speeding a clip up shrinks it.

5 Producing a slow or fast motion effect

Select the relevant clip on the Timeline and drag it to a new track. You may need to add a new Track (right-click the Timeline and choose ‘Add Tracks…’) to accommodate.

Now click the Stretch Time button above the Timeline. Position the cursor either end of the clip and drag the clip longer to slow it down or shorter to speed it up. To make it twice as fast, reduce the size by half. To make it twice as slow - double the length.

6 Title considerations

Prior to adding a title to the project it is important to consider legibility. This is particularly relevant if the project is destined for the web, where the final size of the screen (on playback) is likely to be far smaller. Contrast is equally important. Whilst white text on black (or vice verse) may seem dull, it ensures viewers can read the title. Click the Titles button in the Tasks Panel to view the selection.

7 Applying a Title

With a Title template selected, drag and drop it to the beginning of the Sceneline. In the Tasks Panel a variety of variables appear (text animation, size, effects etc). However, first, look at the Monitor Panel. To the right are controls for the title. Select the ‘Type tool’ (second down) and then double-click the existing text. Change this as required. Now click the seventh and eighth button down to centre the text horizontally and vertically.

8 Setting Text styles and animations

With the text changed, use the variables to the right to change size, font, Text Style and a Text Animation. Apply or remove the Text Animations using the Apply and Remove buttons. Click Done when all changes have been made. These settings, once selected can also be saved as a new Style by clicking the ‘Save Style’ button. To cross fade from the Opening Title to the first clip, apply a Cross Dissolve transition between the title and first clip.