Budget Video Editing

Until Lightworks changed their business model to offer free video editing software, I had no way to edit professionally looking video. Something I had wanted to do since a college course.

Lightworks is a professional non-linear editing software used in a number of big budget movies.  Pulp Fiction, Raging Bull, Shutter Island, The Departed, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels- all great films, all edited with Lightworks.

I have been able to implement any editing and video trick I have imagined so far.

Here is my work flow.

The Lightworks interface.

The biggest issue with the free version of Lightworks is its limited ability to handle codecs.  Third party programs have become better to make this easier.  At one time I had two programs to transcode the .mts video from my camera before it entered Lightworks, depending on different factors, and a third to transcode video for youtube use.

Since version 11, I use Eyeframe converter to prepare files for Lightworks, and the same program to get a video Youtube ready. This is a free convertor created by Lightworks users. The interface is a very simple drag or drop.

Different cameras output different formats, so your workflow may differ.

Audacity is a great audio mixer.  Also free, it has a multitude of features.

The Audacity interface.

If you are considering trying Lightworks, feel free to use me as a resource before or during your experience.  The Lightworks forum also, is a great resource for questions.