Video editing software

**Serious Spamurai** · May 21, 2008, 05:02 PM

Can anyone direct me to some good video editing software. I've got windows movie maker, but I'm sure there are ones that are actually good, can someone recommend one to me?
Thanks.

**Antissa** · May 21, 2008, 06:32 PM

Hey Serious Spamurai, I use Windows Movie Maker as well, but haven't yet bothered looking for a software that does a better job.

However, you could always check out this Wikipedia guide, and find one that suits your fancy. I've heard that Adobe Premiere Elements and Ulead Video studio are quite popular, but very expensive, anyways if I find a freeware version..I'll let you know.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compari...iting_software

**Ramashan** · May 21, 2008, 07:29 PM

Primier is quite good and many people have told me they really like Vegas. I personally use Final Cut. It has become a little less self intuitive over the years, but it is still a very powerful editing tool that for a low cost delivers high quality professional grade editing. Many post houses have switched from Avid to FC and most freelancers prefer FC because of the cost.

The main cost for you would be buying the computer to run it on, so, one top of the grand for the program you'd probably be spending an additional $3000 in hardware. Unless your a student, then you get some good discounts, plus, the whole thing is a tax right off.

**Serious Spamurai** · May 22, 2008, 06:34 AM

Thanks for the help both of you. I'll most likely look into adobe premiere, they probably have a free trial somewhere.

**Serious Spamurai** · May 22, 2008, 10:17 AM

Actually, I still have a question, which one would I use if I wanted to edit an image over the top of the video. I want to make something look like it's through the eyes of a man wearing a gasmask, but it would be game footage, so I can't stick a camera in a gasmask, any ideas?

**H_man** · May 22, 2008, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by Serious Spamurai

Actually, I still have a question, which one would I use if I wanted to edit an image over the top of the video. I want to make something look like it's through the eyes of a man wearing a gasmask, but it would be game footage, so I can't stick a camera in a gasmask, any ideas?

Hmmmm... This would actually be very simple, given you are using Premiere Pro and Photoshop (or similar image editing programs like I am). First, all that is required is for you to design the gas mask itself, probably by tracing the OUTSIDE of one, on whatever portions you want the viewer to see, and make some changes to make it appear to be the inside of the mask (or merely take a picture, and fix/crop it). Obviously it will need to have a cartoon-like appearance to match the game, so some simple Photoshop filters (cutout, paints), and colour adjustments would greatly enhance the immersion. Fill the holes in between (the eye holes) with a distinct, one pixel colour, iridescent green or blue. Personally, I would use bright pink, at it isn't even close to any colors you will use in the mask. Then, merely utilize the green screen feature built into any decent video editing program, and use it to overlay the image on top of the video. Given you are using Premiere, I would recommend blurring the video layer underneath (of the in-game footage), changing the lighting conditions, etc., to give it the look of being viewed from behind a mask.

Another simple technique that will REALLY improve the look of this effect is to use the motion tool to change the position of the overlaid mask over time. You can have the mask gently drift, get bumped when hit, etc., in response to the video, to give it a superior appearance.

If you would like to know more about this technique, I would be more than willing to help.

**Serious Spamurai** · May 23, 2008, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by H_man

Hmmmm... This would actually be very simple, given you are using Premiere Pro and Photoshop (or similar image editing programs like I am). First, all that is required is for you to design the gas mask itself, probably by tracing the OUTSIDE of one, on whatever portions you want the viewer to see, and make some changes to make it appear to be the inside of the mask (or merely take a picture, and fix/crop it). Obviously it will need to have a cartoon-like appearance to match the game, so some simple Photoshop filters (cutout, paints), and colour adjustments would greatly enhance the immersion. Fill the holes in between (the eye holes) with a distinct, one pixel colour, iridescent green or blue. Personally, I would use bright pink, at it isn't even close to any colors you will use in the mask. Then, merely utilize the green screen feature built into any decent video editing program, and use it to overlay the image on top of the video. Given you are using Premiere, I would recommend blurring the video layer underneath (of the in-game footage), changing the lighting conditions, etc., to give it the look of being viewed from behind a mask.

Another simple technique that will REALLY improve the look of this effect is to use the motion tool to change the position of the overlaid mask over time. You can have the mask gently drift, get bumped when hit, etc., in response to the video, to give it a superior appearance.

If you would like to know more about this technique, I would be more than willing to help.

Wow, great stuff, I might contact you later, if I have any more questions, I'll rep you when I can. Thanks.