Video Editing Classes for High School Students in Houston

When it comes to the internet, video is king. Watching online videos is the most popular way to access information, news, and entertainment online. Watching videos is the most popular thing that people do online: in 2022,82% of all internet traffic was people watching online videos. This represents an increase of around 15% worldwide since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Companies and organizations also use video to promote their business and connect with users and potential users online. Videos have much higher retention and conversion rates than text. According to Forbes, users retain 95% of a message when they encounter it in a video, compared to only 10% with written text.

YouTube, Vimeo, TikTok, and Twitch all provide easy access to video streaming and sharing online. Even X (formerly known as Twitter) has embraced the power of video by adding the ability for premium subscribers to post videos as long as two hours. YouTube is an especially popular platform, with more than 2.6 billion users worldwide. The average TikTok user spends more than 2 hours watching videos on the app each day.

The popularity of online video consumption has increased the demand for people who are skilled in making videos such as Video Editors. Video Editors use a combination of storytelling skills and technical skills to create dynamic video content. They can work in-house for companies, for clients through an agency, or completely freelance.

If you want to work professionally in video, you’ll need advanced skills in industry-standard software programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects. Both are part of the industry-standard Adobe Creative Cloud software suite, which also includes Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe XD. This suite of programs is considered the industry standard in design, photography, animation, and film and television.

If you’re planning to work in any of these careers, then you’ll need to gain skills in using these programs. Adobe Premiere Pro is used for video and audio editing. Adobe After Effects is used to create animations and video effects. Gaining advanced skills in both is critical for anyone who is interested in working in video professionally.

Why High School Students Should Learn Video Editing

High school is a great time to start learning video editing: it could lead to a summer or part-time job, help you build skills for a future career, and prepare you for the AP Video Editing exam. You could supplement your income while you’re still in high school or college through video editing projects. You could even create an application video essay for when you start applying to colleges.

Learning video editing as a high school student will prepare you for studying film at the college level. The University of Houston offers a bachelor’s degree in Media Production, which includes courses on Documentary Filmmaking, Producing and Directing, and Digital Cinematography. Houston Community College has a Filmmaking Program in which graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science.

Houston is the 4th largest city in the U.S. and home to world-class museums, sports, food, and cultural events. It has been the filming location of some popular series and movies, including the Netflix series MO, Independence Day, Rushmore, Armageddon, Logan’s Run, Urban Cowboy, Terms of Endearment, Top Chef Houston, Texas Metal, Red Rocket, Bull, and Boyhood.

In-Person Video Editing Classes in Houston

In-person classes are the most traditional way of training for a career. They offer face-to-face interaction with your instructor and classmates. This can lead to more opportunities for networking and mentorship. You might even find some collaborators for your next film project.

MediaTech Institute is a digital film and video production school with campuses in Dallas and Houston. You can choose either their associate’s degree program or their diploma program.

Their Digital Film and Video Associate of Applied Science Degree program is a 4-semester program designed to provide skills in the basic areas of film production for music videos, television series, films, and documentaries. Graduates earn an associate’s degree and are qualified to work at production companies or a post-production company.

The Digital Film and Video Diploma Program is a three-semester program with a focus on video editing. Some of the video editing skills taught in this program include Avid, Final Cut Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and FrameForget.

Houston Community College offers a Filmmaking Program in which graduates can earn an associate’s degree or certificates in certain film production specialties. This program provides training in six different discipline areas of filmmaking: screenwriting, producing, directing, cinematography, editing, and sound. There is the option to earn a certificate in screenwriting, editing, and/or film/video production.

Students also learn the three phases of filmmaking: pre-production, production, and distribution. Students work with both digital and non-digital film equipment.

Ledet Training is a tech training company with locations all over the country, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Phoenix, Portland, and Houston. Their Houston campus is located on Post Oak in the Galleria area. Ledet Training specializes in Adobe, Autodesk, and Google training classes.

Ledet Training offers graphic design and video editing classes at this location, including an Adobe Premiere Bootcamp. This bootcamp combines three levels of Adobe training: Premiere 101 (intro), Premiere 201 (advanced), and Premiere: Producing Virtual Reality Content. This bootcamp takes students from beginners to advanced skills in video editing.

Virtual Video Editing Classes

While in-person classes are the most traditional way to train for a career, online classes have exploded in popularity, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. There are two primary ways of learning online: asynchronous classes and live online classes. Asynchronous classes are typically delivered via pre-recorded video lectures and allow students to learn “on demand.”

Live online classes include live, interactive lectures delivered in real-time.

Live online classes are a great alternative because they allow students to access world-class instruction from anywhere, even their own living room in Houston. Because the class is happening live, it works exactly like an in-person class: you can ask questions because you’re interacting with your instructor in real-time. You can also get direct feedback on your work or collaborate with classmates using screen sharing software.

NextGen Bootcamp offers cutting-edge summer training programs geared toward ambitious high school students who want to learn in a group of their peers. All of NextGen Bootcamp’s classes are taught by expert NYC instructors using a unique, projects-based approach: the instructor teaches a short “micro-lecture” and then immediately guides students through applying what they learned using hands-on, real-world projects.

Their Video Editing with Premiere Pro program is offered every summer live online. This beginner-friendly program is geared toward those who want to work in the film/television industry or those who want to create online videos for TikTok or YouTube. Some of the skills taught in this program include editing video techniques, green screen removal, color correction, adding transitions, volume and audio adjustments, customizing video for social media, and exporting files. Graduates earn a Certificate of Completion and have a professional demo reel.

NextGen Bootcamp also offers a Video Editing and Animation Certificate program live online. It combines beginner-friendly training in video editing using Adobe Premiere Pro with creating animations using Adobe After Effects. Some of the skills taught in this summer certificate program include video editing techniques, color correction, audio editing and adjustment, working with social media, green screen removal, creating animated graphics and text, timeless animation principles, working with animated 3D layers, and exploiting animations. Graduates create a professional demo reel while earning a Certificate of Completion in Video Editing and Animation.

Animation Summer Bootcamp NYC

Animation Summer Bootcamp NYC offers the ideal opportunity for students fascinated by the world of animation and eager to dive into the realm of 2D animation. Throughout the first week, participants embark on a captivating exploration of animation history, uncovering the evolution of this vibrant art form and delving into influential figures and pivotal moments that have shaped the industry. Following this solid foundation, students delve into the principles of design and animation. Through interactive sketching exercises and practical demonstrations, they learn to apply these principles to their own projects, refining their skills and nurturing their creativity with each session.

In the second week, the program elevates the animation journey with advanced concepts and final projects. From mastering cutting-edge animation techniques to honing sound design and timing skills, participants expand their toolkit and refine their craft under the guidance of experienced instructors. The course culminates with the production of a final animation project where students apply their newfound knowledge and skills. Finally, participants have the opportunity to showcase their creations and receive constructive feedback from peers, celebrating their achievements and reflecting on their learning journey. Upon completion of the bootcamp, students will have newfound creativity and confidence, along with a certificate of completion that serves as a valuable credential for college applications and future career endeavors.

Animation Summer Bootcamp Live Online

Animation Summer Bootcamp Live Online delivers a vibrant learning experience under the guidance of experienced instructors and offers an immersive alternative for those unable to attend the NYC summer course. Through live online lessons and group activities that mirror the NYC bootcamp’s content, this comprehensive curriculum spans the history and methods of animation from its rudimentary origins to advanced techniques. Engaging sessions delve into design and animation principles, provide practical exercises, and share advanced techniques, sound design, and narrative-focused storyboards. Students learn and practice the pivotal role of timing in enhancing project realism and emotional impact.

With seamless remote setup assistance, students are fully engaged in the course and participate in hands-on projects akin to those in traditional classrooms. Leveraging Zoom, they interact directly with instructors, share screens, and receive personalized support in real-time. The course culminates in the creation of a polished final project that showcases professional-grade skills and ingenuity. This final project serves as an online showcase that provides valuable feedback from peers and instructors and prepares students for continued growth and confidence in animation.

How to Choose a Video Editing Class

Choosing the right video editing class will depend on your goals. You should start by asking yourself why you’re interested in training in video editing: is it to explore an interest? Are you planning to work in film/television or social media professionally? Answering these questions can help you decide how much money and time you want to invest in the training.

Do you want to learn with other high school students? Then, you might consider training at a school that is dedicated to people your age such as NextGen Bootcamp or a community college.

You’ll also want to decide whether you prefer training in-person or live online. Options for training in video editing in-person might be limited in your area. Or, they might be geared more toward adults who are training for a new career. Choosing a live online class can give you access to world-class instructors and courses that are more aligned with your life and goals as a high school student.