Video editing for a ten year old?

January 28, 2009 1:46 PM

What's a simple to use, inexpensive or free video editing software (PC/Win XP) for a ten year old?

He makes these movies, that I love, mostly by himself and is very frustrated that he can't edit them. He uses a Canon powershot digital camera that records AVI files 320 X 240. I know, he should really get a mac, til then what could he use? He has tried Windows Movie Maker and his ten year old self was not impressed. Thanks

posted by lee to Technology (8 answers total)

Best answer: Windows Movie Maker has lots of options and effects -- perhaps he didn't see them? I'm surprised he didn't find something that made it fun for him. I found that I had to give my 12-year old niece a quick tutorial before she was able to really make the most of it (adding music, removing background noise, etc).
posted by parilous at 2:19 PM on January 28, 2009

Heh. Well, he seems to do just fine in one take, and his future is probably in front of the camera instead of editing, but I digress.

What is the editing he's trying to accomplish? He almost certainly can do what he needs in WMM, but might need a little guidance or instruction. There are plenty of tutorials online. The both of you should take a look at some and practice a little.
posted by sageleaf at 2:23 PM on January 28, 2009

VirtualDub is free, no frills, and easy to use.
posted by XMLicious at 2:34 PM on January 28, 2009

JumpCut?
posted by mattbucher at 2:55 PM on January 28, 2009

Here are a few free video editing tools

Vivia
OpenVIP
Avidemux


posted by Danniman at 3:19 PM on January 28, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks, I'll check them all out and show him. (including WMM)
posted by lee at 4:13 PM on January 28, 2009

Response by poster: JumpCut is not accepting uploads.

Jumpcut Uploaders

We’re sorry to announce that we are no longer accepting uploads to Jumpcut.

We will be keeping the Jumpcut site up and running for the foreseeable future so you‘ll still be able to play, remix and share your existing movies – you just won’t be able to upload anything new.
posted by lee at 4:21 PM on January 28, 2009

I think all AskMes should come with YouTube explainery from now on. Thanks. Your kid rocks :]
posted by fiercecupcake at 8:11 PM on January 28, 2009 [1 favorite]