Here we are again!
Research topic #3: Video editing and its associated programs!
I'm working towards a career in video editing. As such, I need to learn what programs to use and how to use them effectively. What programs should I learn for that type of work? What does that include other than the video-editing software itself?
Look at some of the video editor job listings on Indeed. Specifically, their requirements. Almost all require proficiency in several Adobe products (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, Photoshop, and Illustrator) and Final Cut Pro. This emphasizes them as industry standards and shows how necessary they are to learn.
It may be necessary to learn multiple versions of these programs! Take Adobe Premiere 5.0 - in an attempt to compete with Avid Cinema, another video editing software, Premiere 5.0 was released, sporting a very similar layout to Avid. Premiere 5.0 was great for Avid users looking to switch software or purchase a second option. However, many 4.2 users opted not to update because 5.0 was missing many quality-of-life features and was overall rough around the edges[1].
Most companies will use the latest (or a very recent) version of any given program. This is an old article - at the time of writing (December 7th, 2023), the current Adobe Premiere version is 24.1! We're a long way away from 5.0. However, it's still good to be prepared. You never know if a studio may be using an older version.
Knowing these programs doesn't necessarily make someone a good job candidate. Do you know what people expect in a finished video and why? Can you understand each program and the client's request thoroughly enough to make a quality product for them? Many factors go into making a quality video that are learned through experience.
You often won't be able to re-record footage once you start editing, so having a good sense of which shots to use, discard, or edit around is crucial. Organizing your clips and other files will help your workflow immensely. If you're involved in the recording, familiarize yourself with the equipment's settings and what makes good lighting, sound quality, and framing[2].
These skills may seem specific to this field, but other careers can still utilize them. For example, someone who needs to communicate specific information or plans may be able to convey information better through an informational video[3]. Many classrooms (both in-person and online) use videos to explain concepts visually. Plenty of educational content is free to watch on YouTube (you should check that the uploader is reliable first, though).
Here, we identified several programs and skills used in a video editing career and other places you can use them. It's a lot more in-depth than you might initially think! The programs, equipment, and skills necessary can be expensive and time-consuming, but they all go a long way to making a high-quality final product.
As an exercise, think about how these elements affect a movie or show you especially like or dislike!
References
Ozer, J. (1998). Adobe Premiere 5.0. EMedia Professional, 11(10), 70.
Weiss, D. (2023). Pro-Tips: Improve Your Recordings and Make Better Videos Using Your Smartphone and Computer. Flutist Quarterly, 48(3), 1.
Sergeant, A. M. A., & MacDonald, P. A. (2017). Video Production to Enhance Multimedia Presentations Skills: An Undergraduate Business Project. Business Education Innovation Journal, 9(1), 25–34.
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