Seven Functions of Windows Movie Maker

2008-08-23

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An Unconventional Program

When people think about video editing they often think about complex editing suites like Avid and Adobe Premiere. They do not often associate Windows Movie Maker with film editing. Though it is not as well-known as some, Movie Maker can be a great choice for smaller and less demanding projects. There are a variety of elements to the program that may make it the perfect fit for your needs.

It’s Free

You really can’t beat free. Windows Movie Maker comes standard on all Windows operating systems, so you already have the program on your home PC. Instead of maxing out your credit card with a software package that could run you well over a thousand dollars, Movie Maker is an option that will not force you to make a risky purchasing decision.

Easy Interface

As non-linear editing systems became standard it became more accessible for amateur filmmakers to use professional software. This means that the majority of software that is available in the market today can be used for professional projects, and this function often makes them too complex for novice digital video producers to use. Windows Movie Maker is an exceedingly easy design that makes it approachable for those who have never interfaced with such a program.

Educational Tool

When using Movie Maker you will apply the same principles of video editing that you would anywhere. You cut together the best video clips you have to tell a story, using effects and transitions to highlight your vision. This is a great learning program that will let you move on later to more complicated software.

Quick Editing

The design of this software is such that one can do simple projects in record time. It even has the AutoMovie option, that does your edits automatically once you select the appropriate clips. If you have simple home movies to work on then this is possibly the fastest program in the field.

Viewing Options

Windows Movie Maker is one of the only editing programs that offers a change in interface views depending on your preferences. The Timeline, which is the classic element of every editing program, can be switched out with the Storyboard that views your clips as they would on paper in a storyboard. This can be easier to work with for some people, and is an option that other programs do not have.

Perfect For Some

Though it is not right for every editor or project, Windows Movie Maker does bring a lot to the production table. Try it out for these reasons and you may find that it is a perfect fit for your needs.

This post is part of the series: Windows Movie Maker

This series of articles cover the different tools in Window’s on-board editing program, Windows Movie Maker, teaching you all you need to customize your video production.