Getting great video on the camera is only part of the task, then it has to be edited. This is where software comes into play.

Adobe Premiere

I can't say that I know much about this alternative. It does a quick job of getting a video put out.

Adobe After Effects

This is the powerhouse delivery system that is essential. There is a huge learning curve in this software, but it simply has to be done if you are going to produce something that is edgy, appealing to the modern viewer.

The benefit of this mainstay is the ability to produce both computer-generated graphics, a 3-D surface, audio support and programming support.

If I could only have one product, this would be it.

Newtek Video Toaster and Speed Edit

This is a proprietary software that our church uses. The Video Toaster 5 (VT5) allows us to do multiple camera shoots and superimpose graphics on a live basis. Part of that package is an editor that will edit HD material called Speed Edit. I use the version attached to the entire package, although it is also a stand alone product. The main benefit of this software is the speed that you can edit a storyboard and render a finished product. A couple of nice software features are available, such as users being able to build their own presets and then use that to adjust other clips.

One of the main things about this software is the ability to write code that will control the program. By having that ability, the user can take a lengthy text and turn it into subtitles in less than a few minutes. It has become a great feature.

Magic Bullet Looks

This software plugin assists in coloring footage so that it will give an appearance as you were imagining. Basically in short, never ever present footage that has come straight out of the camera.

Audio software

I am just learning this side of post production, but the audio track will be what sells your footage. Do this well, add effects, check the equalizers and normalize the tracks. It is essential. Believe me.

Right now I use Sony Sound Forge. Like I say, I don't have great experience with this side of production, but enough to get the job done.


Part 1

Part 2