Video Editing Classes for High School Students in Philadelphia

Video is the most popular form of content on the internet. In fact, no other form of content comes close to video, which makes up 82% of all online activity. People watch videos to access news, information, and entertainment online. And its popularity is only continuing to increase: streaming videos online has increased by 15% since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Businesses have caught on to the power of video and now it’s being used across industries to promote business and connect with customers worldwide. Video has been shown to have a much higher retention level than text: Forbes. That’s compared to only 10% through text.

Some of the most popular social media sites are based around video, including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. X (formerly known as Twitter) has recently added the ability for users to upload videos of up to two-hours long. Spotify has also added the ability to watch videos or short video clips of artists while you stream their music.

The incredible popularity of video online has created a demand for people who are trained in video production skills such as video editing. Video Editors combine storytelling skills with technical skills to create compelling video content. They can work in-house for a company, for clients through an agency, or work freelance for their own clients.

If you’re interested in working in video for a career, you will need to train in the industry-standard software programs: Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects. These programs are the foundational technical skills for careers in video editing. Premiere Pro and After Effects are a part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of programs, which also includes Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD, and Adobe InDesign. Anyone who is interested in a career in film, design, or other creative careers should consider training in these tools.

Why High School Students Should Learn Video Editing

High school is an excellent time to start training in video editing skills. They will be useful for several creative careers or as a side-hustle to earn money while you’re still a student. Learning video skills is also an excellent way to pass the AP Video Editing Exam.

In 1985, Philadelphia created the Philadelphia Film Office to grow the film industry in the city. Notable films and television series that were made in Philadelphia include Twelve Monkeys, the Rocky film franchise, Beloved, The Age of Innocence, and, of course, Philadelphia starring Tom Hanks. Famous Hollywood director and master of the plot twist, M. Night Shyamalan frequently makes his films in Philadelphia such as The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, Signs, and The Village.

In-Person Video Editing Classes in Philadelphia

In-person classes are the most traditional way of training for a career. They offer the benefit of face-to-face interaction with your instructor and classmates. In Philadelphia, there are several options for learning video editing.

Film Connection is a film production school in Philadelphia. Each student is assigned a personal mentor and learns film production while working in a Philadelphia film studio. They offer three certificate programs: Film Production & Editing, Cinematography, and Screenwriting. Students are given an internship to begin developing their professional skills outside of the classroom.

Their Film Production & Editing program is designed to train students to become a film director, editor, or work in production. It is a 21-week program and each week focuses on a different part of the filmmaking process such as directing, editing, storyboarding, screenwriting, and pitching. Week 18 is dedicated to teaching students how to edit a film using the footage they have already shot.

Temple University in Philadelphia’s School of Theater, Film, and Media Arts offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in filmmaking. Students in their bachelor’s program can major in Film & Media Arts, which offers four concentrations: Cinematography, Post-Production, Producing, and Screen Studies.

If you’re interested in learning video editing, then you’ll want to look into Temple University’s Post-Production concentration. It offers three levels of training in video and film editing. Students also get a chance to study in Los Angeles as part of their Hollywood Head Start program.

The Philadelphia Film Society offers an after-school program for high school students interested in the film industry. The program, called Cinemaniacs, gives high school students the chance to study and analyze great films with other motivated high school students. While you won’t be learning how to edit videos, you’ll learn about the history of cinema and how to tell visual stories.

Virtual Video Editing Classes

While in-person classes are the most traditional way of preparing for a career, online classes have exploded in popularity because of their accessibility. With online classes, you can gain access to world-class instruction from anywhere, even your own living room in Philadelphia.

There are two primary types of online classes: asynchronous and live online. Asynchronous classes are on-demand and most commonly delivered through recorded video lectures and online exercises. Live online classes are taught in real-time by an instructor and typically delivered over a teleconferencing platform such as Zoom.

Live online classes are a great alternative because they 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 have the ability to ask questions. You can even get direct feedback on your work or collaborate with other students using screen-sharing software.

NextGen Bootcamp offers live online summer tech programs for high school students on cutting edge topics such as video editing, graphic design, web design, and coding. Their classes are designed for high school students and open to teens ages 13-18, which means that you’ll be learning in a class of your peers.

All of their classes are taught by expert instructors using a projects-based approach: the instructor will teach a short “micro-lecture” and then immediately guide students through applying what they learned using hands-on, real-world projects.

Their Video Editing with Premiere Pro summer intensive trains students in using Adobe Premiere Pro to edit videos, including for social media platforms such as YouTube and TikTok. Some of the topics covered in this summer program include video editing techniques and tools, editing and adjusting audio, color correction, green-screen removal, adding transitions, making timing adjustments, customizing videos for social media, and exporting videos to different platforms. Graduates earn a digitally verifiable certificate of completion in video editing, which is shareable on LinkedIn.

If you’d like to learn Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects, then you should consider the live online Video Editing & Animation certificate program offered by NextGen Bootcamp. Some of the skills covered in this summer certificate program include video editing tools and techniques, creating animated graphics and text, editing and adjusting audio, key design and animation principles for creating compelling videos, animating with 3D layers, and customizing videos for different platforms.

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 be about your own personal goals. Are you interested in video editing as a hobby? Or, are you interested in using video editing for your career? Answering these questions can be helpful since they might determine how much of a time and financial investment you want to make.

You might also ask yourself if learning with other high school students is important to you. For example, if you enroll in one of NextGen Bootcamp’s classes, you’ll be learning with other teens who have similar interests. This could set you up for networking and friendships in the industry down the road.