{"id":243,"date":"2013-03-27T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2013-03-27T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sproutvideo.wpengine.com\/?p=243"},"modified":"2024-05-03T18:37:42","modified_gmt":"2024-05-03T22:37:42","slug":"video-production-101-editing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sproutvideo.com\/blog\/video-production-101-editing.html","title":{"rendered":"Video Production 101: Video Editing Options"},"content":{"rendered":"

Video editing is possibly the most challenging and involved part of the video production process. For that reason, many companies opt to pay for professional video editing services.<\/p>\n

However, if you have basic editing skills already, or if you have a bit of time to invest in learning how to use editing software, there\u2019s no reason why you can\u2019t learn to edit videos yourself.<\/p>\n

In this post, we\u2019ll give you an overview of software options within different\u00a0ranges. We focus on low-cost, mid-level, and professional-level software, and provide\u00a0details\u00a0about each set of options.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Video Editing Software<\/h3>\n

Budget (Free!)<\/h4>\n

Fortunately, for beginners and those on a budget, you can achieve good quality video with free video\u00a0editing programs. Although there are other free video editing options out there<\/a>, iMovie<\/a> for Mac, and OpenShot<\/a>\u00a0for Windows, are very popular.<\/p>\n

Both of these editing tools use an intuitive, storyboard-style interface that allows you to add subtitles, video files, images and audio to easily create videos. With built-in transitions and lower-third options, you can achieve a professional result with a little practice.<\/p>\n

Mid-level (>$200)<\/h4>\n

Mid-range video editing software includes products like Adobe\u2019s Premiere Elements<\/a>, Nero\u2019s Multimedia Suite<\/a>, and\u00a0Camtasia<\/a>. There are\u00a0a host of others with comparable sets of features.<\/p>\n

Most of these options use a timeline rather than a storyboard interface. This allows for greater precision and control in editing. Also, most include\u00a0features like tagging for easier clip organization, and the ability to mix multiple audio tracks.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re reticent\u00a0to pay more than a\u00a0grand for professional software, this is a worthwhile investment for learning the ropes of\u00a0video editing.<\/p>\n

High End ($300+)<\/h4>\n

Professional-level video editing software includes products like Adobe Premiere Pro<\/a>, Avid Media Composer<\/a>, and Apple Final Cut Pro<\/a>. This level generally offers bundles of programs together. Professional video editing is a matter of managing not just video, but also graphics and audio.<\/p>\n

Purchasing a professional-level editing suite is worth the cost if you\u00a0are:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Preparing to integrate video as a key element of your video\u00a0marketing strategy<\/li>\n
  2. Willing to devote time and resources (or staff members) to getting thoroughly\u00a0trained on the software<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The learning curve is steep\u00a0with this type of software. Prepare to potentially upgrade your hardware too, in order to support the large memory demands of processing video with these powerful programs.<\/p>\n

    Doing it Yourself<\/h3>\n

    If you choose to purchase software and learn to use it yourself, you don\u2019t necessarily have to shell out for a class. Brands like Adobe offer web tutorials<\/a> to support learning, not to mention a wealth of user-created video tutorials available online.<\/p>\n

    Hiring Someone to Edit Your Video<\/h3>\n

    Hiring a pro video editor will cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands. It all depends on who you hire and what kind of video you\u2019re asking them to create.<\/p>\n

    The benefit of a professional video editor is that you\u2019re likely, though not guaranteed, to get a polished, professional-looking video with a minimum of effort on your part. The downside of this option is that this probably isn\u2019t the most cost-effective or sustainable way to produce great video content over time.<\/p>\n

    If you\u2019d prefer not to train your team in video editing but don\u2019t have a bottomless budget for costly professional video editing either, a wise middle ground\u00a0might be to contract a freelance video editor, rather than an expensive post-production firm. You can post ads outlining your needs on sites like Production Hub<\/a> and Creative Cow<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Note<\/em>: For the best results, have your storyboard ready<\/a> before you sit down to edit, whether you go it alone, or hire a professional. That way,\u00a0you’ll know exactly what shots and audio you\u2019ll need, in order, from beginning to end.<\/p>\n

    \n

    We hope this got you off to\u00a0a good start. Anything to add or ask? Leave your comment below, or tweet to us at @SproutVideo<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    <\/span> 3<\/span> MIN TO READ<\/span><\/span> Video editing is possibly the most challenging and involved part of the video production process. For that reason, many companies opt to pay for professional video editing services. However, if you have basic editing skills already, or if you have a bit of time to invest in learning how to use editing software, there\u2019s no reason why you can\u2019t learn…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4511,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_eb_attr":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[39,40],"feature":[],"yoast_head":"\nVideo Production 101: Video Editing Options | SproutVideo<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"There are many options for video editing out there, from free DIY to expensive, professional studios. Which is right for you? 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