What is the industry standard video editing software?

[J Michael]

I attended an event last night with a panel of folks discussing how people can find work as editors. It was targeted at freelance editors trying to gain a foothold in the market. They suggested learning both Avid and Premiere although most of them were still doing some FCP Studio (not X). Over the years I always had the impression that Premier was what people editing weddings were mostly using so if I was trying to get a lot of editing work in that market as a freelancer I'd go there. I don't know much about the music video industry so wouldn't have a suggestion there. The fact that shops are still using FCP doesn't change the fact that they were left high and dry by Apple and FCP Studio is a dead end, professionally. But, there are still little old ladies programming in Dbase, so you can always argue there is a market for it.

[Gameface]

People were still editing in OS 9 on Avid when I was working in FCP whatever number in maybe OS X 4. Fact of the matter is yes, like I said you should learn these in your spare time. But no one who has a stable system network with fiber/network cards, capture cards, plugins, raid cards, etc (ie professionals) are going to up and jump ship anytime soon. And if they are, I don't understand the logic as I know no one working for a post house even considering anything at the moment or even the remotely near future. I bet for many years to come people will still be looking for freelancers who know how to edit in FCP. Premiere right now, not so much. Avid, as always of course there are tons of houses that use it.