How to choose the best vidding software for your needs: Mac and PC
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One of the big decisions a newbie vidder can make is what software to use. This page will help you be more informed of your options. There are several things you must consider before making your choice.
Two factors must be taken into account when choosing your software: your techie prowess, and the style of vidding you probably will have.
Software requirements vs. tech savvy:
A lot of people just want to start out by making a simple video—they don't want to think about learning a lot of bells and whistles, or sometimes, they know themselves, and they know that if the software takes too much effort to learn, they'll never bother. (After all, this vidding stuff is supposed to be fun!)
But others are don't mind the idea of learning challenging software right off, and see no need to start out with a simpler program that they'll soon outgrow.
One must balance the desire to make things simple with the realization that maybe some of the things they'd like to do with fan videos won't be possible with the more newbie-friendly software. For the most part, it's best to start simple and then progress to something more complicated (in vidding style and software) but maybe that's not the best approach for everyone.
If (a big "if") you're one of these people who is used to delving deep into software manuals and are not afraid of the time it'll take to learn—and you know that you will inevitably be doing videos with a high level of effects—then you might consider a more advanced video program right off. Otherwise, stick with the tried-and-true newbie apps.
But, before we know what "style" of vidding you might have (and what level of effects it might contain) we need to identify some video styles.
Style in fan vidding:
Fan videos have various styles, and can be a combination of many styles. For the sake of simplicity, let's narrow down vidding into two distiinct styles:
Storytelling style: The story (and the lyrics of the song) are the main focus. Special effects are not used to great excess, because they can be distracting, or are simply not desired by the vidder. Simple, elegant cuts are used. Both simple and sophisticated software are capable of creating these types of videos.
Guy of Gisborne (by AmberDarke, aka Jancis) Not too many special effects that I can see—just crisp editing and a hilarious idea (using a perky Disney tune as the anthem for "Robin Hood" villain Guy of Gisborne). (Edited with Corel VideoStudio.)
The Beginning of the End (by Delicate Blossom). Very few special effects (except for some speed changes and zooming). DB cut her video simply, but in such a way as to show the relentless action in this fanvid for the Sky show, "Strike Back." (Edited with Final Cut Pro.)
Uninvited (by Neelma) An expressive video showing the obsessive passion Guy of Gisborne has for Marian. Minimal effects were used, because more was not needed. From the "Robin Hood" series (BBC, 2006). (Edited with Corel VideoStudio)
Edward and Elinor (by approp, aka spinningjenny) Beautiful, elegant, easy to understand—who needs all the bells and whistles of gratuitous special effects? From the miniseries "Sense and Sensibility." (Edited with iMovie 6)
World on Fire (by Catgirl, aka FLCatgirl) Another emotional video using the music and carefully chosen scenes to convey the message. From the "North & South" (BBC 2004) miniseries. (Edited with Corel VideoStudio.)
Missa Luba song (by bccmee) This is a small, extremely elegant video using minimal effects, for the show "Strike Back." (Edited with Premiere Pro)
Weapon of Choice (by JulietD001) More of an "eye candy" video (so Juliet seems to imply) but the song and the visuals still tell a story. From the BBC spy drama "Spooks." (Edited with Windows Movie Maker)
Visual & effects style: The story is still important, but special effects that create a mood (or possibly dazzle) are important too. More sophisticated or complex software is required to achieve many of these effects.
My Skin (by HeathRA aka heathdances) Heather tells a compelling and clear story (of romantic rejection and betrayal) but uses stunning special effects as well to lend added emotion and impact. From "Robin Hood" (BBC). (Edited with Premiere Pro.)
My Brilliant Idea (by lim) Not only a hilarious and strangely fitting song for the story she's telling, but special effects that are beyond imagining! This is high art in a fan video. From the "Stargate Atlantis" fandom. (I'm not certain what software was used—I believe Adobe After Effects and Final Cut Pro were involved.)
"Shattered" (by KatSw3) Kat is brilliant at making dreamy "arty" videos. This one is from the Twilight Saga and is a joy to watch and admire. (Edited with Adobe Premiere Pro.)
"Don't Slow Down" (be seduff) Seduff is a genius and makes a variety of different types of Doctor Who videos. I love this video especially for its humor and action. The special effects are essential to the story the video tells! (Edited with Final Cut Studio)
Shame on the Soul (by EtherealSparkle) This "Robin Hood" video creates such a dreamy mood with soft overlays and other effects. Ethereal Sparkle's videos are beautifully "arty"! (Edited with Final Cut Express)
Map of the Problematique (by Heathdances) This vid from Spooks is almost frantic in its action and takes the viewer on quite a trip with quick cuts and dazzling effects. (Edited with Final Cut Pro.)
"Gravity" (by Spikesbint) Spikesbint has such endless creativity and comes up with the most unique ideas for fanvids! This fanvid from the BBC show "Robin Hood" is just one example. (Edited with Corel VideoStudio)
Vanishing 2 (by elvirasweeney) Uh, that's one of my videos. Yes, I'm a freak. Everyone knows it! LOL! This is an odd "arty" actor tribute video (for Richard Armitage). I had a ton of fun messing around with the effects, especially masking and overlays. (Edited with Final Cut Studio.)
Of course it's a gross oversimplification to pigeonhole one video as "storytelling" and another as "effects" when many videos are easily both. And, it's important to point out that the lack (or addition) of effects does not make a video better, or worse. It all just depends on the individual video.
Look at the different software programs for vidders—Page 2 >>
