How can I learn Avid or Final Cut Pro without paying thousands of dollars?

Question

I want to become a video/film editor, and I've read its good to get certified in Avid or FCP, but the courses that teach them are so expensive. I'm in community college, and will barley be able to afford transferring to a film school or other 4 year university. I also do not even own Avid or FCP or a computer that can run them efficiently, so how the heck do people pay for all this?

I want to become a video/film editor, and I've read its good to get certified in Avid or FCP, but the courses that teach them are so expensive. I'm in community college, and will barley be able to afford transferring to a film school or other 4 year university. I also do not even own Avid or FCP or a computer that can run them efficiently, so how the heck do people pay for all this?

(BTW, I have experience with several cheaper editing programs such as Adobe Premiere, Screenblast Movie Studio, and Windows Moviemaker, but I was interested in learning the more high-end programs that professionals use.)

Answer 1

I actually didn't own any of my own equipment for editing until this year. I've been editing for about 6 years now. Most employers have the machines for you to work on, so I wouldn't worry about buying all your own software and computers.

I would also not recommend getting certified in Avid or FCP unless you want to be a tech support person. Typically those are the only ones that are certified. Or people who want to teach it. Actual editors are rarely certified.

I would recommend to take classes in specific editing courses. Avid or FCP. Pick one to start. Companies like Video Symphony have placement programs for people who take classes there, gear for you to learn on and practice on and you can just take 1 class at a time as you get the money for it. Some other programs even offer scholarships.

Other advice would be to try and meet other editors and ask to shadow them. Your best lessons will come from their experience.

Best of luck!!

Answer 2

well the best idea would probably join a class. first start out with a simple program like Windows Movie Maker or IMovie to get the basics down then move onto FCP. you can also try Vegas which isnt as expensive aroun 100 bucks last time i checked.

Answer 3

study both. the classic is many times the AVID, in protecting with what i have been informed through specialists. yet i'm confident a lot of human beings use very last cut back professional also. study both to prepare them you're nicely various. strong success.