Avid has announced that it is now offering its full version Media Composer editing software free to all college/post-secondary students aspiring to learn the editing craft and join the ranks of professionals working in Hollywood, TV, streaming services and elsewhere in media.
Effective immediately under the new Media Composer for Students program, learning institutions can sign up as entry-level Avid Learning Affiliates at avid.com/media-composer/for-students so their students can gain hands-on experience with a requisite media entertainment industry editing tool. Upon joining, a school makes every one of its enrolled students eligible for software licenses. The free initiative also includes teacher training and lesson materials for schools intending to establish a video editing curriculum or re-orient existing programs toward delivering sought-after proficiency with Media Composer.
Following graduation from school, the former students will also receive up to two years of discounted Media Composer | Ultimate subscriptions (retailing today for $499/year), allowing them to stay current on Avid’s latest feature releases.
Avid CEO and president Jeff Rosica says, “Our Media Composer for Students program synthesizes the input of educators, creatives and media executives alike to make access as easy as possible for everyone. Together, we’re unlocking more ways to solve media and entertainment’s urgent need for a deep pool of high caliber talent, while enabling more young people to differentiate themselves with the qualifications that film and journalism schools, employers and others will instantly recognize.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of film and video editors will grow 12 percent from 2021 to 2031. Media Composer for Students is one of several initiatives offered by Avid in partnership with its customers to enable more people to enter media production professions. Among these are the global Avid Community Association, where over 40,000 people at all levels of experience, including students, collaborate on shaping the future of media; and Avid’s new Badges & Digital Credentials program to help certified Avid users display their skills to employers.
“What’s most exciting about this program is that it gives both immediate value and a long-lasting boost with the crucial tools to students who are getting ready to start out on their careers,” says American Film Institute Conservatory’s Editing Discipline Head Robert Ivison, ACE. “Media Composer is the language of professional production. When you’re fluent, you get recognized and you get work.”
Nathan Orloff, editor of feature films including John Wick: Chapter 4 and Ghostbusters: Afterlife, adds, “I firmly believe that if you want to be an editor, you need to learn Media Composer. It’s a no-brainer.”
Brian Leonard, head of engineering, IMG Studios, concludes, “Post-production studios today are clearly feeling the pinch to find talented video editing professionals coming out of school with the necessary skillset to meet the seemingly endless appetite for new streaming services content. Avid’s Media Composer for Students program is the grassroots initiative needed throughout academia to lower the barrier by providing easy access to Media Composer for all students who want to explore the possibilities of rewarding, creative careers in the film and broadcast TV industry.”
The Avid Learning Affiliate program is a no-cost, no-obligation way for colleges, universities and other post-secondary institutions to gain access to a range of teaching and learning resources, including “Getting Started” training, free tips and techniques content and lesson plans, plus structured courses available via Avid Learning Central, Avid’s eLearning platform. Learn more about Avid Learning Affiliates at avid.com/media-composer/for-students.
