Editing software
There are a number of options available for editing software some free and some paid. Please do not use pirate software as this is theft – there is not justification for it.
Mobile
Adobe Premiere Clip will give you most of the features you need to edit videos, add background music and titles. Available free on Android and Apple. Search the Web for ‘best video editing apps’ to see many more.
Desktop
Windows Movie Maker is a pre-installed simple and video editor (Windows only).
– VideoPad (Windows only) is a good starter video editing software. It allows for editing, adding titles and effects. It has a reasonable number of tutorials and a good set of effects.
– Wondershare Filmora is an easy-to-use editor for a beginner, it has all the features you need plus lots of effects. The free version will put a water mark on the final video (a one-year licence costs $39 and a lifetime licence costs $59). It has a good list of tutorials, you should be up and running in no time.
– iMovie (MacOS only) If you have a Mac then iMovie should already be installed.
For more advanced editors have a look at the ones below. They all have a free version and the Adobe products have a 30-day free trial. All have tutorials you can watch:
– Lightworks
– BlackMagic DaVinci Resolve
– Adobe Premier (for video editing)
– Adobe After Effects (for visual effects)
Music
You need to have permission for any music or sound you use. There are a number of sites that offer free music and sound effects – just do a search for free music. YouTube also has a good library of free music for you to use.
Any Short Film Competition entry that uses copyright music without permission may be penalised.