Two weeks ago we talked about the basics of home video production hardware. In this blockbuster sequel, we’ll delve into the software side of creating video masterpieces. Just three years ago (an eon in computer time), video editing software was too expensive and complicated for the home user. In October of 1999 that all changed with the introduction of Apple’s revolutionary program – iMovie. iMovie is the “gold standard” that all home editing applications have been measured against, and the current crop of editors for Windows PCs have certainly closed the gap (isn’t competition a wonderful thing?). Apple’s integrated iLife applications, due to be released this week and included on all new Macs, will keep Macs the best overall system for home editing. However, if you’re invested in Windows PCs, there are some excellent options available.

If you’re looking for a new PC, most brands offer a video editing package either standard or available as an option, consisting of editing software and a FireWire card, for around $50. If you already have a FireWire capable PC, good editors are available from $50 to $100.

In the beginning, home video production packages consisted of separate specialized applications for each part of the process – one for video capture, one for editing, one for burning the movie onto DVD or VCD (video CD). Sony’s VAIO computers still employ this approach. Recently, all-in-one applications have taken the forefront, where capture, editing, and exporting are all controlled by one program. PC Magazine recently reviewed the current crop of PC home editing software. They named Pinnacle Studio 8 ($99, http://www.pinnaclesys.com/) their Editor’s Choice, praising it’s titling and audio controls, tempered with a comment about it’s relatively steep learning curve. For the more novice videographer, they recommended Roxio’s VideoWave Movie Creator ($79.95, http://www.roxio.com/), which contains templates and wizards to help the more “creatively challenged”.

Microsoft’s new Windows Movie Maker 2 for XP is a much needed improvement over the woeful original. It handles capture and editing, but requires additional software , like Sonic MyDVD Plus 4 ($79.99, http://www.mydvd.com) to burn onto DVDs.

Both Video Wave Movie Creator and Windows Movie Maker 2 can actually build your movie for you. You insert the clips, select some music, and the programs add transitions, even to the point of compressing the clips to match the length of the music. This “music video” approach to production might save time, but part of the fun is in the creativity. Do you really want Microsoft, the industry leader in “lack of taste”, to craft your home video masterpiece?

Speaking of taste, let’s talk about some movie making rules to live by. First, sometimes less is more. When you start building your movie, it’s easy to get caught up in placing eye-catching transitions between scenes, or building flashy titles and special effects that would make George Lucas proud. The question you have to ask yourself is, does this really help tell my story, or does it detract or distract? Will a stylish music video of the kids really be an entertaining keepsake for the grandparents? Tailor your show for the intended audience. Second, when selecting clips to capture, do what the pros do and make sure you have a little bit of video in front of and behind the real “meat” of the clip. This will give your transitions some frames to work with, so that you can add attractive fades between scenes without missing any of the action.

There’s never been a better time to get into digital home moviemaking. The technical tools are there – now, it’s time to get creative. Lights, camera, action!

© 2003 Peter F. Zimowski