Video Editing Classes for High School Students in Miami

Watching video content is the most popular thing people do online. 82% of all internet traffic is streaming videos: Netflix, YouTube, TikTok, Hulu, Max, Disney Plus, Vimeo, and AppleTV, just to name a few.

Online videos have become the go-to source for news, information, and entertainment. Chances are when you want to learn about something, you watch a video about it.

Some of the most popular social media platforms such as TikTok, are built around video. The average TikTok user spends more than 2 hours each day watching videos on the platform. The other social media platforms have been incorporating more and more video on their sites, including X (formerly known as Twitter), which now allows users to upload videos of up to two hours long. Instagram now allows users to upload longer videos, called reels. And, YouTube allows users to upload shorter videos, called YouTube shorts.

Video isn't just popular, it's also effective. Forbes reports that users retain 95% of what they learn in a video. That’s compared to just 15% when learned through text. This makes videos a necessary part of any company or organization’s marketing plan.

People who can make and edit videos are in high demand. Video Editors use a combination of storytelling skills and knowledge of industry-standard software programs to create compelling professional videos. The two most foundational programs for professional video editors are Adobe Premiere Pro, which is used for editing, and Adobe After Effects, which is used for animations.

Why High School Students Should Learn Video Editing

Learning video editing while still in high school is an excellent plan. Video editing skills can be used for part-time work while you’re still a student. They can also be applied to passing the AP Video Editing Exam, which could give you an advantage when applying to film schools.

People who work as Video Editors have a flexible career path. They can choose to work in-house at a business or organization, work for clients at an agency, or work for themselves as freelancers. The popularity of video online makes it an in-demand skill in every industry, not just the film and television industry.

Did you know that Miami has one of the largest film production industries in the world? The Miami Film Commission provides support to the film industry in the city and to aspiring filmmakers in the area. Some of the popular films and television series that were made in Miami include Dexter, Ace Ventura, Police Academy, Moonlight, Scarface, CSI: Miami, Miami Vice (films and tv series), The Birdcage, and the Bad Boys film franchise.

In-Person Video Editing Classes in Miami

In-person classes are the most traditional way of training for a career. They offer the benefit of face-to-face interactions with your instructor and classmates. There are several options for in-person video editing classes in the Miami area.

Miami Dade College offers a film production curriculum that includes training in cinematography, non-linear editing, production management, lighting design, scriptwriting, and sound editing. Classes can be taken on either their North Campus or their campus in Kendall. These courses can be taken individually or as a part of Miami Dade College’s associate’s degree program.

The Center for Cinematography in Miami offers four training programs in film, including an Associate’s in Film Production, Associate’s in Television Production, Sound Engineering, and Editing Technician.

Their Editing Technician program is a 3-semester series of courses designed to prepare graduates for entry-level video editing jobs. Courses include training on Adobe Creative Cloud programs, including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. The program also includes a professional internship to start applying the skills learned in the classroom.

Virtual Video Editing Classes

In-person classes are the most traditional way of training for a career. However, online classes have exploded in popularity, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. They offer students the chance to train in video editing from the comfort of their own home.

There are two primary formats for online classes: asynchronous and live online. Asynchronous classes, also called on-demand classes, typically combine pre-recorded video lectures on a topic with exercises. Live online classes feature a live instructor teaching the class over a teleconferencing platform such as Zoom.

Live online classes work exactly like in-person classes. Because the class is happening live, you’ll be interacting with your instructor and classmates in real-time. You can ask questions. You can also get direct feedback on your editing work or collaborate with classmates on fun video projects using screen-sharing software.

NextGen Bootcamp offers live online immersive summer bootcamps for high school students on cutting-edge topics, including video editing, Python for data science, web design, and graphic design. All of their courses are taught by expert instructors using a project-based approach: your instructor will teach a short “micro-lecture” and then immediately guide students through applying what they learned using real-world, hands-on projects. Their classes are open to teens aged 13-18, which means you’ll be learning with peers who have similar interests and goals.

NextGen Bootcamp’s Video Editing with Premiere Pro trains high school students to edit videos for film/television, businesses, and social media. This beginner-friendly summer program provides in-depth training on the industry-standard software program for Video Editors: Adobe Premiere Pro. Some of the skills taught include video editing techniques and tools, editing and adjusting audio, organizing media on the timeline, making timing adjustments, and customizing videos for different platforms. Graduates earn a Certificate of Completion in Video Editing with Premiere Pro that can be used on their resume or their college applications.

If you’re also interested in learning Adobe After Effects to make animations, then you should consider NextGen Bootcamp’s Video Editing & Animation Certificate Live Online. This summer program combines training in Adobe Premiere Pro with Adobe After Effects. Students learn foundational editing and animation skills along with more technical skills such as creating professional video projects, organizing media, making timing adjustments, editing and adjusting audio, and 3D animation. Graduates earn a Certificate of Completion in Video Editing & Animation to share on their resume, LinkedIn page, or on college applications.

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

When it comes to choosing the right video editing class for you, it will depend on your personal goals. If you’re learning video editing for personal reasons or as a hobby, then you might not want to make the same time and money investment as someone who wants to use the skills for a career.

You’ll also want to consider how important it is for you to learn with your peers. If you take one of NextGen Bootcamp’s summer immersive programs, you’ll be learning with teenagers your own age, which could lead to friendships and creative partnerships.