Discover the Best Video Editing Classes in Chicago
Video editing is the means of manipulating, arranging, and rearranging video shots to create a finalized video. This process is done for informational videos, films, television shows, and video advertisements. Video editing may be done for a variety of reasons, including removing or changing footage, adding effects, creating a flow to your video, or altering your video’s style.
Video editing is highly technical, so it requires patience, time, and effort. There is a wide range of video editing software and applications, some of which have a steep learning curve. Luckily, video editing software has improved in the last two decades, making the editing process more efficient and advanced. Video editing can be done both professionally and personally thanks to the distribution of easy-to-access software.
There are several reasons to consider learning video editing. Knowing how to cleanly edit videos can help you break into the world of content creation. Digital content creation relies heavily on the ability to edit both videos and images. Acquiring video editing skills can help entrepreneurs who are looking for fresh new ways to market their businesses to consumers. Video editing can also be a fun hobby to pick up if you like working with technology.
Best Video Editing Classes & Schools in Chicago
In-person video editing classes are available for you to take in the Chicago area. Classes are taught by expert instructors who can teach you the fundamentals of video editing. This includes learning how to use popular applications and software like Filmmaker Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, and Adobe Photoshop.
Taking an in-person video editing class is a great way to get hands-on experience using a variety of industry-used software. Instructors can help demo software you’re unfamiliar with and help you get set up with a free trial and subscription. Classes are also a good way to meet others in the Chicago area with an interest in video editing.
Ascend Training, located in downtown Chicago, hosts a Premiere Pro Fundamentals class for beginners. This video editing software application is well-known within the film industry as it was used to edit a number of award-winning feature films. Spend two sessions learning about creating and editing complete video projects in this class along with the basics of animation and motion graphics with Adobe After Effects.
Computer Training Source in Schaumburg, Illinois, offers an intermediate-level Adobe Photoshop class. This class covers a range of Photoshop fundamentals. By the end of the class, you’ll understand how to use the software for several tasks, including the creation of raster images, vector images, advanced layer techniques, automating tasks, video editing, and project management.
If you can’t attend an in-person class, there are online video editing classes that you can sign up for on CourseHorse. Online classes can be from any interruption-free environment so long as you have a stable internet connection. This learning method is more flexible than in-person training, making it ideal for people with busy schedules.
Noble Desktop offers a Video Editing Certificate program that aims to provide students with a career focused education. This program is open to students of all skill levels looking to learn video editing, audio editing, and the foundation of motion graphics and animation. At the end of the course, students will create a demo reel of video editing projects that they can show off to prospective clients and employers.
Borough of Manhattan Community College has a 27-session-long comprehensive video editing program for all skill levels. In this class, you’ll learn about the post-production process as you gain hands-on experience in video and audio editing. By the end of the course, you’ll know the terminology of the trade, how to organize your workflow for an edit, how to edit video and audio in non-linear editing software, and understand the finalizing process.
Chicago Industries That Use Video Editing
Video editing skills are useful across industries. Knowing how to use video editing software can help you create videos to communicate with others, persuade consumers, and entertain. Businesses hire those with video editing skills in the hopes of using them in an array of ways. Here are a few key industries in Chicago that rely on video editors:
Tech
Chicago has a growing technology economy. Companies like Google, LinkedIn, Salesforce, and Lyft have begun establishing their operations in the city. Startup tech companies have also gravitated toward Chicago thanks to the city’s high population and strong business infrastructure.
Tech companies rely on video editing to communicate and advertise to consumers. Commercials and online ads are a popular way for these companies to reach out to new and existing customers. High-profile tech companies in particular rely on cutting-edge video editing trends to retain a positive brand image and appeal to younger consumers.
Food Innovation & Manufacturing
Chicago is home to the nation’s largest food manufacturing workforce. Some of the industry’s largest and most innovative corporations are headquartered in the Chicago area. This industry has pioneered trends like alternative proteins and nurtured innovative companies that are working to transform food.
Video editing is an important part of the advertising process in this industry. Successful marketing campaigns will include attention-grabbing video ads that can showcase not only new and innovative products that consumers may not know about, but also how the industry has contributed to the nation’s economic growth.
Finance & Fintech
Chicago has the third-highest employment in the finance sector in the nation. The economic diversity in the area and the need for financial products have resulted in fintech becoming one of Chicago’s fastest-growing tech verticals.
Fintech relies on digital marketing practices to advertise to consumers. Fintech apps are advertised on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter through short video clips. These ads are shaped by video editors who work to make alterations and add effects that will stand out to the company’s target audience. This may include adding animation, graphics, or popular music.
Video Editing Jobs & Salaries in Chicago
Because video editing is useful across industries, video editing skills can contribute to your chances of employment in a variety of roles. If you acquire video editing skills, you can look for video editing jobs, or you can look toward implementing these skills when advertising for your business. Here are some roles that require video editing skills:
Video Editor
Video Editors are responsible for making sure that all video content that has been filmed ends up compiled into a finished product. They’re responsible for altering videos to fit the vision that their supervisor has come up with. Video Editors commonly work in the entertainment industry or other creative fields.
Entry-level Video Editors in Chicago can expect to make around $21/hour. However, experienced Video Editors working for top entertainment companies in the area can expect to make upwards of $40/hour.
Content Developer
Content Developers, or Web Content Specialists, work in the marketing field. They create material to promote brands and/or entertain consumers. Content Developers are typically responsible for digital marketing strategies, including video content. Video editing skills may come in handy in this role if your company creates its own video content.
Content Developers in the Chicago area make between $68,000 and $84,000 per year. Salary is dependent on years of experience, education, and additional skills.
Motion Graphics Designer
Motion Graphics Designers create artwork for the Internet, television, or film. They animate graphics and create visual effects. Their expertise is used to enhance films, websites, commercials, and other online content. Video editing skills are useful for anyone looking to become a Motion Graphics Designer as the fields use many of the same software and tools.
Motion Graphics Designers tend to be self-employed and work remotely. The average base salary of an entry-level Motion Graphics Designer in Chicago, according to Indeed, is $21/hour. Those with enough experience and a high-quality portfolio who are self-employed can charge clients higher rates.