I know that's not how the classic Bob Dylan song goes but that's what I sing to myself every time I hear about new editing software. Since FCPX was release followed by Avid MC6 and Adobe CS6, it seems that the world of editing has been in a state of constant change. And it appears that this story is no different with Google further changing the landscape of NLE's.
By now everyones heard of cloud based storage services like iCloud and Drop Box, so when Google Drive was announced I wasn't overly excited about the news. But when I heard about Google Drive integrated with Google's new video editing app, WeVideo, it really caught my attention for a couple of reasons. Besides that it's a free Chrome browser based app, it's full integration with Google Drive is fascinating when you stop to think of all the different way's you can use it. Here's a quick demo.
Pretty cool, right? It's fair to say that the UI in the app is fairly simple. Almost identical to iMovie. But the real differentiating factor is that it offers a cloud based video editing workflow where multiple editors can collaborate and edit footage simultaneously... from anywhere, for free (essentially)! It's pretty amazing to say the least.
If I was a kid in middle school or someone curious about producing videos this would be a great way to test the waters without any out of pocket costs for editing software. I can't wait to see what people do with WeVideo. I'm sure there will be some rough edges at first. Like any new software (i.e. FCPX), WeVideo will need time to mature,
In all honesty I don't think i'll be using WeVideo because I love editing on Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere CS 5.5 (aka Final Cut Pro 8). Granted, I know both of those NLE's don't have cloud services and I'm aware that Adobe just introduced CS6 Production Premium (full $1899 and the upgrade for $375) with the Creative Cloud but since this blog is aimed for the "micro" budget filmmakers, spending $2k for new software wouldn't be a viable option. So I was left to wonder if Apple would take Google's lead and expand FCPX with an update or a FREE plug-in for Drop Box or iCloud, just imagine the workflow options that would open up! You could start to cut together a rough cut on your iPad, save and continue on your Mac.
In all honesty I don't think i'll be using WeVideo because I love editing on Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere CS 5.5 (aka Final Cut Pro 8). Granted, I know both of those NLE's don't have cloud services and I'm aware that Adobe just introduced CS6 Production Premium (full $1899 and the upgrade for $375) with the Creative Cloud but since this blog is aimed for the "micro" budget filmmakers, spending $2k for new software wouldn't be a viable option. So I was left to wonder if Apple would take Google's lead and expand FCPX with an update or a FREE plug-in for Drop Box or iCloud, just imagine the workflow options that would open up! You could start to cut together a rough cut on your iPad, save and continue on your Mac.
I applaud Google for further democratizing video production. Anything to put creative tools in the hands of curious and budding artists for free is a good thing.
What do you think about Googles new app? Would you be using WeVideo?
-Eric Chacón
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