I'm a professional video editor and have recently moved to linux. The only thing that stops me giving up Windows all together is the lack of a fully functional video editing alternative for linux.
KDEnlive is the only software that looks to be heading in the right direction. I have used numerous non-linear editing systems over the years including Avid, Premiere and Final Cut Pro but actually had my beginnings back in the Amiga days with V-Lab motion and later on, the Draco. Each system had it's advantages, but nearly all have drawbacks in either function or workflow.
I've always dreamed of being able to design a video editing package but have no programming knowledge. Here's the things on my wish list:
After working in news and current affairs I like things to be quick and easy. Access to, and management of, clips should be as simple as possible. The ability to 'subclip' from a larger file is very useful. Bin folders are also useful for grouping clips.
- Source tape timecode is vital. A captured clip needs to retain the timecode from the tape. This allows for batch capture and easy reference for logging of footage and for the export of EDLs.
- Keyboard shortcuts are the 'key' to efficient workflow. Transport keys (Play, Stop, FFWD, REW, frame-by-frame forward and back) are vital. So too, keys for splitting of clips on the timeline, insert or overwrite editing, head and tail trimming.
- Customisable keyboard shortcuts for all functions would be extremely useful.
- Many years ago Amiga had AREXX scripting, which enabled macro scripts to be written for all functions. This was very useful for customising and automating a sequence of functions. The scripts could be allocated to shortcut keys making it even quicker to do things. It enabled me to do things like automatically trim a group of clips to a desired length and place them on a timeline to match a piece of music. I could create a perfectly timed montage in a matter of seconds. I'm yet to find software that can do that today.
An ideal workflow for me would be to:
- Use the up and down arrows to scroll through the clip bin and instantly see them in the clip viewer or select them via the 'enter' key.
- Spool through the clip in multiple speeds. (arrow keys or J,K & L keys. Multiple presses changing the speed.)
- Mark the in and out points in the clip (I & O keys).
- Use keyboard short cuts (V or B) to either insert or overlay the clip at a timeline 'in' point or current locater position.
- Playback timeline from a keyboard shortcut (space bar)
Once clips are on the timeline, a double click should reopen them in the clip viewer where they can be shortened or lengthened.
Dissolves (and transition effects) should be simply applied possibly by double clicking on an edit point. The ability to apply dissolves to multiple edits between the in and out points is a great feature in many NLEs especially to smooth out audio edits.
Customisable workspaces are handy. Being able to decide what windows to have open or being able to set multiple workspaces is also a nice feature that Avid had half right. Their bin windows were always a nuisance.
Most NLEs get hung up on all the effects they can do, but the truth is professional editors rarely use effects. Professional editors just want to be able to cut things together quickly, review them and make changes quickly and easily. The only absolutely necessary(and most commonly used)effects are colour correction, resizing, titling and compositing.
Outputting should also be as stress free as possible. With Premiere I find I spend more time putting the final product to DVD than I spent editing it because of the slow rendering and file conversion processes.
So that's my dream system in a nutshell. I'd be keen to work with any programmers who may be able to help make these functions possible.
I really like how KDEnlive's progressing and look forward to seeing it develop even further.
"AlanJames1987 ....... Are you still around?"
I have been gone from this forum and open source software in general for nearly a year. Unfortunately my company started going south a had to be looked after. We are now back up and running well and I am again interested in KDENLIVE. It is good to see that this tread is still being talked about on here.