Here are some of my tips for speeding up your post production work as a video editor!
1. Buy a second monitor
First, you should think about increasing your screen real estate by getting a second monitor. Let's face it, that default editing workspace just won't cut it when you have very complex projects on your hands. And 1080p monitors are super cheap now. Most Mac and PC computers will accept an external monitor via HDMI or DVI that you can plug in an instantly double your workspace. That way you can stretch out.
2. Create a project template
Next, and it's something that I mentioned in a previous article, is to create a project template so you don't have to keep building them from scratch every time. If there are certain folder structures or sequence formats you find yourself working in all the time, then take the time to build a project that includes those folders and formats, including graphic elements, audio clips and titles. This way, you can copy the template, rename it and your setup is handled.
3. Multiple Sequence Timelines
Did you know that in Adobe Premiere Pro CC you can use multiple timelines? I have a project workspace setup that has my main timeline in addition to one that I use for pulling selects and clips or just any old thing that I don't want to clutter my main timeline with. Think of it as a workspace. Get into the habit of using multiple timelines and save a ton of time.
Premiere Pro Shortcuts
4. Ripple Trim
Ripple-Trim is a key command I use to trim and ripple the timeline in one shot. It's a great time saver. Move the cursor to the edit point you want to trim and hold the command key. Notice that the cursor turns from red to yellow. Now when you hold the left mouse button down you can trim your shot to the length needed. When you let go, the edits will ripple to fill the gap automatically. This even works in the opposite direction if you want to extend the clip. Note that if you have a solid clip of audio or video that overlaps this edit, Premiere won't let you do this kind of ripple and you may need to break up or lock the overlapping clips.
5. Quick Navigation and Screen zoom
First, I use the up and down arrows all the time when navigating the edit points on my timeline. Up arrow moves to the next edit, down to the previous. Now this only works if the track is activated in the track selection panel on the far left side of the timeline panel. It's a much more accurate way than scrubbing with the mouse. And the other is a favorite of Frank's. Most of the panels in Premiere have a full screen mode if you hit the tilde key. This gives a bit more screen real estate when on the timeline, or in the source monitor, or in your project panel. Hit it again to return to normal size.
These are just a few of the things I use to make work a bit easier and faster. Let me know some of your ideas in the comments below!