Which Editing Software Should You Be Using?

One of the biggest challenges many editors face is what editing software to invest in.

Avid, Apple, and Adobe – the editing software trifecta – have dominated the digital editing market. With these three to choose from, it can be difficult to decide on which one is the right fit for you. For newer editors just starting out, this can be especially tricky.

While a lot of editing software ultimately aims to achieve the same thing, we’ve pointed out some key differences that might make your decision a little easier:

Avid (Media Composer)

Probably the oldest of the three, Media Composer (more affectionately known under the mononym, Avid) has rung tried and true for almost 30 years. Chances are some of your favourite movies were cut on this editing software. From the Avengers to The Hunger Games, Avid is prized for its negative cut list feature for matching back to camera original negative.

It’s also old-fashioned.

Though originally designed for Apple computers, Avid quickly made the switch to PC when Apple became a direct competitor. In a Macbook Pro-dominated era, this might be a bit of a problem for newer, more “green” editors.

Avid is still a goodie, but definitely an oldie.

Adobe Premiere Pro

The general consensus is that Premiere Pro’s version 6 (and everything thereafter) is superb. Like most Apple products, there is a seamless integration into much of Apple’s other products, such as Photoshop and After Effects.

Premiere Pro alone has the added effect of not having to render out every single effect added onto a sequence. This means no red squiggly lines for each audio transition or cross-fade.

Thank God.

We at Key West Video use Premiere Pro for our client videos. We prefer Adobe’s smooth interface and easy-to-navigate built-in editing tools.

Apple Final Cut Pro

Notice we didn’t mention iMovie? Final Cut Pro, Apple’s precious lovechild of the 90s, was birthed from a program called “KeyGrip“.

Apple changed the game with its turnkeys. While Avid required its users to purchase the full package – hardware, software, and service contract – Apple offered its program alone. It was also a lot less expensive.
Above all else, one thing that editors and content creators alike must keep in mind is that the tools don’t matter as much as the skill. Just because you have the tools doesn’t mean you have the craft.

Here at Key West Video, we offer a wide range of video services, including post-production. Our editors are skilled in a multitude of editing software, making for flawless cuts and seamless edits. Visit our website and view our online portfolio today!

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Corporate Video: Why Lighting Matters So Much

Don’t believe what they tell you – lighting is everything.

Despite what you may have thought, lighting can make or break your corporate video. You, a consumer of media (and probable selfie-taker), should know the importance of good lighting. It highlights our best facial features. It hides our loathed imperfections. It complements who we are…well, at least aesthetically.

Key Light

A key light is your main source of light. Assuming you’re doing an interview (or something to that effect requiring the use of a static subject on camera), you will need a strong light to pick up your interviewee. Many camera operators and cinematographers will state that the best area to place the light is roughly 45 degrees either side of the camera. However, because it is such a strong light, it will undoubtedly cause facial shadowing. Key lights must be counter-balanced with other lights, such as the following:

Fill Light

Placed on the opposite side of the key light, the fill light is also situated roughly 45 degrees from the camera. While sometimes it is impossible to eradicate all traces of facial shadowing, fill lights serve to eliminate as much shadowing as possible.

Back Light

This is the light that goes, well, at the back. Slated to light your subject from the rear, it is intended to help your subject stand out from the background. It is all too easy for your on-camera talent to become a ‘part of the background’, making it imperative that he or she doesn’t disappear into the scenery.

Diffused and Direct Light

For dramatic effect, direct light is the best way to go. More often than not, many corporate clients find that diffused light – light that requires a gel or diffuser – is the best way to go for informational and training videos, as well as interviews. Gels and diffusers reflect a softer, less harsh light on the subject.

Here at Key West Video we offer exceptional full videography services – including lighting. For more information on our services, visit our website here!

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