Resources

An Insider’s manual to launching your acting career

Editing Software

Chapter 18

EDITING SOFTWARE – Free and Paid (2024 Update)

FREE EDITING SOFTWARE:

1. iMovie

  • Platform: All Mac devices
  • Cost: Usually bundled FREE with Mac devices
  • Features:
    • User-friendly interface
    • Ideal for basic video editing
    • Voice Over function for adding ‘reader’s lines’
    • Good for adding titles
  • Link: iMovie

2. Windows Movie Maker

  • Platform: Older Windows devices
  • Cost: Usually bundled on PCs
  • Note: For Windows 10, you can use the simple video editing function under the Photos app.
  • Link: Windows Movie Maker

3. Photos App (Windows 10)

  • Platform: Windows 10
  • Cost: Usually bundled FREE with Windows 10
  • Features:
    • Basic video editing functions
  • Link: Windows Photos

PROFESSIONAL OPTIONS:

1. Adobe Premiere Pro

  • Platform: Windows, Mac
  • Cost: Subscription-based (Monthly or Annual)
  • Features:
    • Industry-standard video editing software
    • Advanced editing capabilities
    • Rich set of tools and effects
  • Link: Adobe Premiere Pro

2. Final Cut Pro

  • Platform: Apple
  • Cost: One-time purchase
  • Features:
    • High-end editing tool
    • Excellent for titles
    • Mac-exclusive
  • Link: Final Cut Pro

3. DaVinci Resolve

  • Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux
  • Cost: Free (with optional paid version)
  • Features:
    • Professional-grade color correction
    • Advanced audio post-production
    • High-quality visual effects
  • Link: DaVinci Resolve

4. Slatable

  • Platform: Available on various platforms
  • Cost: Paid
  • Features:
    • Designed for self-taping
    • Useful for audition recordings
  • Link: Slatable

CONVERTING TO MP4 AND COMPRESSING VIDEO:

Handbrake

  • Website: handbrake.fr
  • Cost: FREE
  • Features:
    • Convert video files to MP4 format
    • Compress video files with various settings
    • Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Mac, Linux)

SUBTITLES AND CAPTIONING:

Rev.com

  • Website: rev.com
  • Cost: Paid (caption services)
  • Features:
    • Professional captioning services
    • Accurate and fast turnaround
This comprehensive list covers a range of editing software options, both free and paid, catering to various skill levels and requirements. Whether you’re a beginner looking for user-friendly options or a professional seeking advanced features, this guide provides a diverse set of tools for video editing, conversion, and captioning.