Final Cut Pro X vs Adobe Premiere Pro: Best Video Editing Software

Final Cut Pro X vs Adobe Premiere Pro: Discover which one suits your business the best through this 101 guide of both softwares. 

Introduction

Although both are excellent softwares for any and all of your video editing needs, Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere Pro ultimately come down to two things: Apple vs Adobe. One thing to mention is that Final Cut Pro X is only compatible with Mac OS (sorry Window users!) In layman's terms, if you have a Mac, then congrats, you have full freedom to choose between Final Cut Pro X or Premiere Pro. These two effective, but costly softwares both have their pros and cons, so let’s get straight into it! Hopefully by the end of this article, you will have a better idea of which video editing software works best for your workflow. 

Final Cut Pro X

Apple built Final Cut Pro X (FCP X for short) from the ground up so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this video editing platform makes better use of integrated OS features and generally seems more “fine-tuned” for Mac users. This does not go to say that using Final Cut Pro X as a Windows user is not possible, but, it is relevant to mention that you might find it more intuitive if you used it on an Apple product. With all this said, let me make it clear that Final Cut Pro X is much more beginner friendly than Adobe Premiere Pro. It displays an extremely intuitive and straightforward interface that provides easy navigation around the platform and the ability to learn at a timely speed, all qualities that are perfect for beginners. All complex editing functions are hidden initially which makes it much more approachable for beginner editors or those new to the software. This simple user interface means they can jump right in and start editing videos quickly. But the features and tools that are initially hidden can be easily opened and used on projects, so the software is no less sophisticated than its competitors. Although FXCP is more than capable of editing projects to almost any level, it is not best-suited for extremely complex video editing works that involve many nonlinear levels of video tracks. FCP X provides the best utilization when working and editing a chronological project. What FCP X lacks in multidimensional video editing, it makes up for in rendering time. Final Cut Pro X is by far much faster than Adobe Premiere when it comes to rendering, specifically on an M1-powered device. However, as much as we would like to love FCP X, let’s learn a little more about Adobe Premiere Pro.

Adobe Premiere Pro

With constant improvements being made to this software, Adobe Premiere Pro is now recognized as a video editing software that is equally suitable to both Apple and Windows computers. Debunking the myth that Adobe Premiere Pro is “better” for Windows users, it is now known that the Premiere Pro interface on either type of computer is nearly identical. Premiere Pro benefits from great workflow flexibility, powerful adjustment layers, a strong emphasis on team projects and raw controls to keep footage looking its best. In addition to all this, the panel-based user interface is useful for an organized workspace and is also fully customizable. Basic editing tools like track selection, trimming, and ripple or rolling edit functions pave the path for Premiere Pro’s more detailed editing functions such as Lumetri Color for color grading. In fact, the software works with a whole host of other Adobe software, too. But don’t get convinced too quickly, keep in mind that Premiere Pro requires four key components: a very fast processor, enough RAM memory, a large amount of fast storage, and an adequate video processor. If you lack these requirements, you may want to reconsider your decision in investing in Premiere Pro. It is worth mentioning that Premier Pro’s huge benefit includes its compatibility with many of Adobe’s other suite titles including Audition for audio editing and Photoshop and Illustrator for working with image titles. Contrary to FCP X, Premiere Pro uses Productions to increase organization and synchronization for multi-project workflows and has the ability to rename files of other media meaning no confusion when it comes to backing up data. So does all this sound like something that fits your requirements? If not, take a look at the table below to see some features of both softwares.

Don’t take my word for it, let’s compare some critical features:

Conclusion

Overall, both tools are absolutely outstanding in their abilities to edit videos; with either option, you can rest easy knowing that you will be creating professional-quality videos that will go a long way toward taking your videos to the next level, whether it be from a personal or business perspective. Unfortunately, if you are a windows user, FCP X is out of the question, however, there are some great video editing alternatives that are also great for beginners found here. If you need further help creating your own videos, we offer video production services that will help you elevate your brand!

At the end of the day, the software you choose to buy comes down to your own personal choice and workflow. So before making your purchase, consider these questions: 

• Do you own a Mac or Windows computer? 

  • Mac? →  Next question

  • Windows? → Adobe Premiere Pro

• What’s your skill level? (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) 

  • Beginner? → Final Cut Pro X

  • Intermediate? → Final Cut Pro X or Adobe Premiere Pro

  • Advanced? → Adobe Premiere Pro

• What is the purpose for your video editing? (Personal, Business) 

  • Personal or Business? Up to you!

Written by Rena Wu

Either way, whatever you choose, both Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere Pro can create stunning, professional-level content. So what are you waiting for?

If you’re wanting to learn more about media, music production, and business, we are developing a course called Producer Launch that will take you from beginner, all the way to knowing how to become a successful producer for a living!

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The 5 Best Stock Video Sites of 2024

Stock footage comes in handy as it’s a time saving and cost-effective solution for videographers and filmmakers to access footage they would not be able to shoot themselves. But finding the perfect clip can sometimes be a stressful and frustrating process without the right resources on hand. If you are looking for high quality stock video at a variety of budgets, here are 5 of the best stock video websites. 

Pexels

For many, Pexels is the go to site for those looking for truly spectacular free stock videos. 

Every video is all under a Creative Commons 0 license – a license where the original creator has dedicated the work to the public domain! You are free to use footage found on Pexels for personal and commercial use without attribution. 

This is where Pexels shines. Being able to provide high quality stock footage absolutely free that you can use for both commercial and personal use is truly a blessing. But Pexels acts more as a jack of all trades when it comes to it’s selection. Finding the perfect clip to use in your next project isn’t always easy as Pexels lacks curated video collections for specific themes. There may also be cases where the footage you find can be limited to 1080p which can be an issue if 4K and above is what you need. 

Shutterstock

Shutterstock is an absolute titan in the online stock footage scene. 

Of their entire collection of images, videos and music, they advertise over 370 million items to offer. It’s quite literally limitless and Shutterstock also makes it easy for the user to seek out the perfect clips for their next project with important search filters such as maximum resolution, frames-per-second, and if the footage contains people in it. They also provide regularly updated corrected collections that are relevant and trending that offer high quality footage in a certain niche or theme. 

But such a collection doesn’t come without a price. Shutterstock offers 3 subscription plans that offer limited downloads per month as well as clip packs that expire after 12 months that offer you a way to pay for a set amount of videos you may redeem at a later date. All of these options are pretty expensive and somewhat convoluted but offer a standard license that covers web usage and live performance. For a larger budget, Shutterstock is a great choice for videographers. 

Storyblocks

Storyblocks specializes in video and audio at an affordable price for videographers. 

Like other stock footage providers, Storyblocks offers a large selection of stock footage available to use for subscribing members. They offer curated collections and easy to use search filters to narrow down the perfect clip. But unlike their competitors, story blocks also offer a wide selection of motion graphics templates to use. What is also new to offer is Maker – an online based video editor that is integrated with their library. 

Storyblocks aims to be a one-stop shop for videographers and their pricing reflects that. They offer their unlimited download plan for individuals at $39.99 a month which comes with 4K & HD footage, Motion Graphics Templates, as well as Music and Sound Effects. The footage you use as well is 100% royalty free and yours to keep forever under their individual license as well. 

Artgrid

Artgrid aims to be the stock footage site for filmmakers.

Artgrid selection differs quite a bit from other offerings. Each clip has a cinematic quality to it that makes it perfect for filmmakers looking to tell emotional and powerful stories. On Artgrid you can search by video theme that offers a similar experience to curated collections but also by shot type. Search by shot type allows for you to narrow down clips by their framing, what type of camera movement is done, the time of day and location, and speed of the clip. These search filters are a game changer for filmmakers. 

Artgrid’s pricing is similar to Storyblocks’ as they offer both an unlimited plan and a limited plan for affordable prices. Artgrid takes it one step further by offering a Professional plan where you can download footage that is in RAW/LOG format which makes all the footage on offer incredibly versatile. All plans include lifetime use and all plans also include a 14 day money back guarantee. 

Envato Elements

Envato Elements aims to offer unlimited access to stock video and audio at a very cheap price.

With a $16.50/m individual subscription, you get access to Stock Footage, Motion Graphics Templates, Music and Sound Effects, Print and Product Mockups, Powerpoint Templates, Photos, and even Fonts. Envato Elements is really trying to be the go-to place for creatives to flock towards and with an incredibly affordable subscription plan, it’s hard to say they haven’t done that.

Envato Elements offers simple licensing terms for all their products. Each item you download is registered for one specific use but you can download it again to register a different use. Each item has broad commercial rights so you can use their offerings with confidence in your project. And each time is covered even if you choose to unsubscribe from their services later.   

Conclusion 

All of these websites have a fantastic selection of stock video to offer that is licensed or royalty-free and safe to use both commercially and for personal use. They all tailor for a specific kind of videographer or filmmaker so choose the right site for you! Also, if you need help editing/color grading your videos, we would be happy to help. Contact us here to learn more about our video production services.

Written by Zeeshan Khamis

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If you’re a filmmaker wanting to learn more about improving your audio, sound design, and business, we are developing a course called Producer Launch that will take you from beginner, all the way to knowing how to become a successful producer for a living!

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How to Create a Video Storyboard

Sometimes, the process of producing a video can be intimidating. If you’ve clicked on this link, you’re probably a video creator of some sort whether it be live-action, animation, stop motion etc. and you want to elevate your video content. Well, you’ve come to the right place because I can guarantee you that creating a storyboard for your video is a key step in your overall process to producing your video with the highest quality. 

What is a Storyboard?

Now you may have created video content but have never heard of a storyboard. Storyboarding dates back all the way to the 1930s when Walt Disney developed the idea and was first created for the Disney short “The Three Little Pigs”. Storyboarding is a visual representation of how the story of your video will unfold, shot by shot. It is made up of ordered pictures or illustrations/drawings of what the shot is going to be. Underneath the visual representation, there is usually a description of the action, the type of shot and angle it is, and any dialogue from the script that is going to accompany the shot. 

The Different Kinds of Storyboards

Like most things in life, there are different approaches and kinds of storyboards that have been discovered and developed over the years. There are 3 different kinds, those being:

• Traditional storyboards

• Thumbnail storyboards

• Animated storyboards

Traditional Storyboards 

Traditional storyboards are various pencil or ink drawings that assist in visualising the story of a video before beginning to fim. They can be displayed sequentially in a sketchbook or hung up on a wall. This method allows you to be as detailed or simple as you want. 

Several traditional storyboards also have written notes under the drawings to describe what is happening in the scene. These notes can be in point form and brief. 

Thumbnail Storyboards 

The second type of storyboard is thumbnail storyboards. Like a thumbnail for a YouTube video, a thumbnail storyboard shows a representation of what the premise is. Thumbnail storyboards call for tiny sketches - the size of a postage stamp - that shows your shots in your video on pieces of paper. 

However, due to the miniscule size of these sketches, it leaves little room for detail. This version of storyboarding is beneficial for quickly outlining  your ideas before making a more detailed version of your storyboard using a method such as the traditional storyboard. 

Animated Storyboards

The world of technology is always evolving, making it possible to create things such as live animations helping to create animated storyboards. Animated storyboards have dialogue and music. They are composed of sketches strategically filmed to show timing, pacing and flow of a scene and it is much easier to get your story across. 

Why Should You Storyboard?

Have you ever watched a book-to-movie adaptation and was disappointed because it wasn’t what you pictured? I’m sure there are many cases like this. A storyboard helps you to share your vision with others and really help sell the story whether it is a campaign for a commercial to a big Hollywood film.You can then get feedback from others and make changes. They may help you to fill in gaps that were missing in the story so that everything that happens in your story flows with no loose ends. If just a storyboard can move people and connect the audience to the characters, imagine how the end product will be recieved!  By making a storyboard, it helps your pre-production process and helps you to remember what shots you need. By having the story all laid out before production begins, it saves a lot of time and energy and will make sure you are using your time efficiently. 

Creating a Storyboard

You may be thinking to yourself, “Wow, a new step to the process?” Don’t worry, it’s fairly simple. Storyboarding is fairly similar to a shot list. However, storyboards are laid out in a much more story-like manner.

The process of creating a storyboard can be as simple or elaborate as you want to make it. Before storyboarding was first developed, animator Webb Smith was credited by Disney for the idea of drawing out scenes on separate sheets of paper, pinning them up on a bulletin board to create a sequence of a story, thus creating the first ever storyboard

Storyboards can be very simple and you don’t have to be an artist to create a storyboard. You can make one as simple as drawing stick figures using a professional program. The choice is up to you and your ability level. Choose what suits you. 

There are many different methods of storyboarding. 

You can use:

• Sketches with descriptions

• Google slides

  • Insert pictures into a slide with  bullet-point descriptions 

• Google docs

  • Create a table and insert pictures into the columns

  • Make sure you number the pictures accordingly

  • Underneath the pictures, add descriptions 

• Celtx

• Storyboarder (It’s paid but a great option for artists)

  • Draw in depth illustrations of the shot to clearly visualise the story with 6 different drawing tools

  • Enter dialogue and action underneath the panel. You can also include the timing information and shot type

These are just some of the many options to create a storyboard. 

Not all storyboards have to be created from sketches or drawings. You can also go to your filming locations with your actors and take pictures that will help visually represent the shot and action. In my opinion, taking pictures of the shot is much more efficient as you will have a clear, visual representation of the shot and angle you will need when it comes to production time. Since  it is harder within illustrations to create 3D depth, a photo will help you to understand exactly what your vision is, along with the description that will be provided under each picture in your storyboard. 

Do you know what you want your video to accomplish? What is the purpose for the video and what is the message you want to get across? What feelings are you trying to evoke in the audience? Make sure this is clear and set goals for your video. If you are getting feedback from others that your idea is evoking the emotions you wanted, you know you are on track. 

To create a storyboard, you first want to break down your script into actions as you will need to describe the action of each shot when you storyboard. You want to draw/import images that will move the action along. Too many images can be overwhelming and you will waste time that could be spent on other details. On the other hand, too little images will make your storyboard hard for people to understand. Know the right amount. 

Then, you will want to make multiple blank panels and number them in order.  There are many storyboarding outlines online or you can create your own. 

Next you will want to write up a description that includes the action, the type of shot and angle and dialogue that will accompany the shot. 

You don’t have to stop there! You can make multiple storyboards and revise and edit through the process. 

All storyboards should include:

• The project name 

  • Even if you don’t have one, create a working title and you can rename this later

• The scene number

  • Numbering scenes is important so you don’t get the order of your story mixed up

• Page number

Conclusion

There you have it! This is everything you need to know about storyboarding and how to create your very own video storyboard. You now know what a storyboard is, the different types of storyboards, why you should storyboard and how to create a storyboard. Do you think this will help you to improve your video production? Let us know in the comments below!

Written by Amy Anstett

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