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Filmmaking is no job for the weak. If the creative side of videomaking doesn’t give you a headache, the logistics surely will. Thankfully, there are plenty of excellent editing tools available that can make the complicated work a little bit easier and leave more room for creativity. What’s even better is the fact that there’s a tool for everybody – whether you’re already a pro filmmaker or just starting out.
So, which editing tools for filmmakers will help you produce award-winning videos or compelling documentaries? Let’s find out!
DaVinci Resolve
It’s no secret that color correction can greatly impact the way an image is perceived. As a documentary filmmaker, you want your movie to look as natural and pleasing to the eye as possible, which is why it’s crucial to find color correction software to help you.
While there are many options available, the best of the best is surely DaVinci Resolve, which even refers to itself as ‘Hollywood’s #1 Post Solution’. The software is typically used in addition to other editing tools, like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro X. However, you can also edit your entire documentary there.
Avid Media Composer
If you’re looking for an editing tool that actual pros use, you won’t go wrong with Avid Media Composer. The software has been an industry standard for many years and is very popular in Hollywood and beyond. In fact, movies like Life is Beautiful and Terminator 2 were edited using Avid Media Composer!
So, why is it such a great tool? Documentary filmmakers will appreciate the precision and efficiency of Avid Media Composer, especially because the software can handle large volumes of footage.
Adobe Premiere Rush
Time is often of the essence when editing, especially for documentary filmmakers working on tight schedules. If you’re in a hurry and need to get the job done, Adobe Premiere Rush is the perfect solution. The video editing software offers quite possibly the fastest way to perform video edits, whether you’re using your mobile, Windows, or Mac desktop.
Keep in mind that Adobe Premiere Rush is all about speed, so you won’t find advanced editing features here. But if you’re looking for a tool to help you when time seems to be running out, this will be a great pick!
Autodesk Maya
Looking for film editing tools to help you with 3D and animation? Autodesk Maya is a powerful rendering engine that can bring all your ideas to life – no matter how crazy they may seem at first.
With the Autodesk Maya film editor, you can create realistic effects, from model explosions to cloth simulation. Thanks to its incredible capabilities, the software has been used for many movies, including Spider-Man, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and many others.
The only downside is that the Autodesk Maya video editor can be challenging to learn at first. But once you manage to overcome the learning curve, you’ll be able to achieve amazing results.
Avid Pro Tools
Good sound goes hand in hand with filmmaking. If you’re wondering about the best tools for recording and audio editing, we recommend Avid Pro Tools, which is often the Hollywood professional’s choice (especially when working with other Avid tools). With a massive collection of plugins, instruments, and sounds, it really is everything you need to power through even the most demanding projects.
Additional tools for documentary filmmakers:
IMAGO
One of the biggest challenges in creating documentaries (and other types of films) is finding older or historical footage. Unless you have a budget to build a Hollywood-scale set (think Downton Abbey), your best option is to use archival footage to establish a year, location, or emotion. That’s where IMAGO comes in.
While IMAGO isn’t an editing tool, it provides a vast resource for licensing historical photos, archival footage, and high-resolution images that you can later incorporate into software such as DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere, or Avid and use for your documentary productions.
StudioBinder
We know, we know – this article is about editing tools. Still, we couldn’t finish it before including this ‘must-have’ software for all filmmakers.
Making a movie involves many variables. There’s so much to think about: location scouting, pitching, casting, production, and the list goes on and on. If you want to keep your sanity during the editing process, you need to find a way to manage all these aspects, and StudioBinder offers solutions for doing just that.
This film production management software will help you tackle editing schedules, storyboards, call sheets, script breakdowns, and so much more. Who knew you could automate your editing process?
Final thoughts
When it comes to video editing tools, there’s no one-size-fits-all. What works for one filmmaker won’t necessarily work for another. So don’t be afraid to experiment and try different options – only then will you find the perfect editing tool for your needs.
Likewise, remember that every tool takes time to master. Don’t expect to become a pro overnight! But if you put in the time and effort, video editing tools can allow you to maximize your productivity.
If you’re curious to learn more filmmaking tips and tricks, follow our blog here.
FAQ
What do most film editors use?
Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the most popular video editing tools, and it has been used by many Hollywood productions in the film industry. Not only does it have an extensive library of special effects, but it also has plugin integration and many other advanced features.
Is Avid better than Premiere Pro?
This depends on your specific needs in the filmmaking process. Media Composer’s effects have more automation, while Premiere Pro offers more quantity.
How can documentary filmmakers benefit from using IMAGO in their projects?
IMAGO provides licensed content, such as archival photos, historical images, and videos. As a documentary filmmaker, you can obtain licensed footage to add historical context and visual depth to your film and improve storytelling.
What kind of computer do movie editors use?
Many creators work with Apple M2-powered devices, but Windows also has excellent options, such as the HP Omen 30L and the Velocity Micro Raptor Z9.
