EP113 Marianne Post, Avid Technologies Inc., Lead Video Curriculum Developer – TV Matters
Today’s guest is Marianne Post, the Lead Video Curriculum Developer at Avid Technologies Inc. She is an Avid Certified Master Instructor, leading train-the-trainer classes to certify other teachers as instructors of Media Composer software. In addition, she creates learning materials for Avid’s courses and special projects like the Media Composer Fast Start series on YouTube.
This episode discusses Avid’s Learning Programs and how high school students can gain free access to Media Composer software and education.
Is Media Composer Really That Hard?
Media Composer, the industry-standard video editing software for major productions, often carries a reputation for being difficult to learn. But is this reputation justified? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of video editing with Marianne Post, a lead video curriculum developer at Avid Technologies Inc., and an Avid Certified Master Instructor.
One of the most persistent myths surrounding Media Composer is its perceived difficulty. Marianne attributes this misconception to a combination of factors.
- Legacy Training Methods: Avid’s training methodologies started in the 90’s, long before other software had any training at all. Most of the training was highly technical, and meant for professionals. Today’s training is for everyone, but the legacy learning materials can sometimes make users feel overwhelmed with information. Modern training approaches, like the ones Marianne creates, prioritize practical skills and user experience over explaining every feature.
- Social Media Influence: Platforms like Reddit and other online forums can amplify negative perceptions, creating a distorted view of software complexity.
- Simple, Less Professional Software: Tools like iMovie are very user friendly, and often hide the more technical details that a professional would need to know. Marianne gives the example of all her videos being stored in iCloud. When she edits on iMovie, she doesn’t need to think about where the media is stored. But on a professional project with huge volumes of footage, it’s paramount to know where your media is kept.
Marianne emphasizes that Media Composer is not inherently more complex than other professional-level editing software. In fact, she can guide a complete novice from knowing nothing about video editing to creating a simple one-minute video in a single day.
“I blame social media and Reddit,” Marianne jokes about the software’s reputation. “It baffles me because I sit in on webinars and I pay attention to what Apple’s doing, I pay attention to what Adobe is doing. I used to teach both platforms, so it just baffles me.”
The Role of Certification
Avid offers various certification levels, from specialist to professional. While certification can be beneficial for career advancement and job applications, it’s not essential for basic video editing skills. For high school students, exposure to Media Composer and practical experience are often more valuable than formal certification.
That said, certification can be a confidence builder and a way to validate one’s skills. It’s particularly relevant for college students seeking internships or jobs in the film and television industry after graduation.
Bridging the Gap for High School Students
Avid is committed to making Media Composer accessible to high school students. The Affiliate Program offers free Media Composer licenses and resources to accredited schools. This initiative aims to introduce students to professional-level software early in their education.
However, implementing Media Composer in a high school setting presents challenges. Teachers often juggle multiple software programs and equipment, and may lack specialized video editing training in Avid. To address this, Avid offers certification programs for instructors, providing them with the necessary skills and resources for their school. High School teachers do not need to be Avid Certified Instructors (ACI) to gain access to classroom content.
The Future of Media Composer Education
Marianne envisions a future where Media Composer education is more accessible to high schoolers. Avid is focusing on simplifying the learning curve and developing curriculum that prioritizes practical skills over knowledge of every button in a window. The goal is to empower students and educators with the tools they need to succeed in the video editing industry.
“I think the biggest challenge is just getting started,” Marianne explains when asked about the difficulties high school students face. “Just launching the software and then starting a project, just all of it’s pretty new.” This comment on teaching is echoed by Lary Jordan in his podcast episode.
Key Takeaways:
- Media Composer is not inherently more difficult than other professional video editing software.
- Certification can be beneficial but is not essential for basic video editing skills.
- Avid is committed to making Media Composer accessible to high school students through the Affiliate Program.
- The future of Media Composer education focuses on simplified learning and practical skills.
By dispelling myths and providing accessible resources, Avid is working to make Media Composer a viable option for students and educators alike.
