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When it comes to video editing, one common debate is whether better tools or better skills matter more. To tackle this head-on, Jake Wisely and Josh from Full-Time Filmmaker went head-to-head again—this time in a post-production battle. Armed with Adobe Premiere Pro and iMovie, they set out to edit identical footage under a tight deadline. So, which matters more—gear or experience? Let’s break it down and see what unfolded.

The Competitors: A Pro and a Beginner

Jake, a seasoned filmmaker, brings years of experience to the table. But in this challenge, he swapped out his professional tools for iMovie, a basic video editing app he hadn’t touched since school. Josh, on the other hand, is relatively new to editing with just three months of experience. However, he had the advantage of working with the powerful Adobe Premiere Pro, an industry-standard tool loaded with advanced features.

This wasn’t just about the software. It was a test of creativity, storytelling, and technical skills. Could Jake’s expertise outshine Premiere Pro’s capabilities in the hands of a less experienced editor?

The Footage: A Level Playing Field

To make things fair, neither editor shot the footage. Landon, a fellow filmmaker, provided high-quality clips filmed for a fan-made commercial for Ghost Longboard, a skateboard brand. He also served as the judge, ensuring the competition focused solely on editing skills.

By using the same raw material, Jake and Josh had equal opportunities to showcase their storytelling and technical abilities. But with different software and experience levels, their final edits were bound to take different paths.

The Rules: Tight Time Limits, Tough Constraints

Both editors had just two hours to take the raw footage and craft a compelling video. The goal? Create a finished product that could work as a high-impact commercial, especially suited for social media platforms.

There wasn’t room for perfection. The constraints forced both Jake and Josh to focus on what mattered most—pacing, storytelling, and technical execution. Could they juggle all these elements under pressure? That’s what this challenge set out to discover.

Adobe Premiere Pro: Powerful But Complex

Josh worked with Adobe Premiere Pro, a software packed with high-end features. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Unlimited Tracks: Users can layer as much video and audio as they want.
• Detailed Colour Grading: Tools allow precise adjustments to achieve cinematic looks.
• Advanced Effects: From slow motion to dynamic transitions, Premiere Pro has it all.
• Price Tag: At around $400 per year, this software doesn’t come cheap.

Despite its power, Premiere Pro has a steep learning curve. With so many options, it’s easy for beginners to feel lost.

iMovie: Simple But Limited

Jake, on the other hand, used iMovie, Apple’s free video editing app. Designed for beginners, it offers:

• User-Friendly Layout: Its interface is simple and easy to navigate.
• Basic Tools: Cutting, splicing, and drag-and-drop functionality make it a solid starting point.
• Limitations: Colour grading is basic, and audio tracks are restricted to just a few layers.

While it’s perfect for home videos, iMovie lacks the depth needed for professional edits. For Jake, the challenge was more about innovation than the software itself.

The Editing Experience: Jake Vs. iMovie

For Jake, switching to iMovie was like taking a step back in time. Over the years, he’d grown accustomed to advanced tools in professional software. Suddenly, he had to navigate an app with fewer options and limited flexibility.

One major hurdle was the lack of precise colour grading tools. iMovie does include filters, but they’re intense and can’t be adjusted. Jake had to manually tweak things like contrast and temperature to get the cinematic look he wanted. He also got creative by adding letterbox effects to produce a widescreen format, since iMovie doesn’t offer native aspect ratio options.

Despite the restrictions, Jake leaned heavily on his experience. His understanding of pacing, storytelling, and sound design gave him an edge in crafting an engaging video.

Premiere Pro: A Double-Edged Sword for Josh

Josh had a powerful tool at his disposal, but he wasn’t yet fully familiar with all its features. For a beginner, Premiere Pro can be overwhelming. Josh focused on organising footage, using some transitions, and attempting basic colour grading adjustments.

However, his edit lacked sound design. He missed the opportunity to add immersive audio effects like skateboard wheels or background sounds, which could’ve added richness to the final product. Additionally, he left the frame rate at 60fps instead of converting to 24fps for a cinematic look.

While Josh faced challenges, his work clearly showed progress since his last head-to-head video editing challenge. With time, Premiere Pro’s complexity would become an advantage rather than an obstacle.

Landon’s Judging Criteria

As the judge, Landon wasn’t just looking for a polished final product. He considered:

• Pacing: How well the video flowed and kept his attention.
• Use of Tools: Did the editor maximise the software’s strengths?
• Cinematic Feel: Colour grading, framing, and storytelling played a big role here.
• Sound Design: How effectively audio enhanced the overall experience.

Both editors had room for improvement, but Landon’s final verdict was clear.

Landon’s Feedback on Josh’s Edit

Josh’s video had a slower pace and clean visuals. However, Landon found the pacing too drawn-out for social media. As a marketing tool, the video needed more energy to engage viewers quickly.

Landon also noted the missed potential of frame rate adjustments. Converting the footage to 24fps could’ve brought a more cinematic look. The lack of sound design was another oversight—it left the video feeling flatter than it could’ve been.

That said, Josh’s improvement since his last challenge didn’t go unnoticed. He made better editing decisions this time around, showing clear growth and potential.

Landon’s Feedback on Jake’s Edit

Jake’s iMovie edit was a different story. Despite the app’s constraints, he delivered a fast-paced, high-energy video filled with dynamic audio effects. From skateboard sounds to background traffic, the layers of sound added depth and immersion.

The colours also stood out, with Jake managing to enhance the footage despite iMovie’s basic controls. The pacing aligned perfectly with social media content—quick, engaging, and to the point. Landon appreciated Jake’s effort to manually add a cinematic aspect ratio, even though the workaround was obvious.

Ultimately, Jake’s expertise helped him overcome iMovie’s limitations and create an edit that resonated with Landon’s vision.

And the Winner Is…

Jake’s iMovie edit took the win. Why? Because it nailed what the challenge was all about—proving that skill can outshine tools. His years of experience and understanding of audience engagement made the difference, even with basic software.

Josh delivered a solid edit, and his growth as an editor deserved recognition. But in this matchup, Jake’s ability to layer sound, tighten pacing, and enhance visuals gave him the edge.

A Look at Landon’s Edit

To cap it off, Landon shared his own version of the Ghost Longboard video. The polished, professional edit showcased his vision for the footage. From the perfectly balanced pacing to rich sound design, it was a masterclass in how storytelling and technical skills come together.

Watching Landon’s version was a reminder of what’s possible when creativity and tools work hand-in-hand.

Key Takeaways: Experience Beats Gear

This showdown wasn’t just about software. It was a lesson for creators everywhere: your skills matter more than your tools. Jake thrived in iMovie, a basic app, because he understood what makes a compelling video. Josh, despite using advanced software, still has room to grow in applying its features effectively.

Whether you’re just starting or years into filmmaking, this challenge is proof that practice and creativity can help you produce great results, even with limited resources.

Want to Develop Your Filmmaking Skills?

If you’re an aspiring filmmaker looking to enhance your craft, Full-Time Filmmaker offers everything you need. The course is designed to teach you how to maximise any camera and software, no matter your skill level. With 13,000+ students around the world, it’s helping creatives build their dream careers.

You can sign up for a free one-hour webinar to get a glimpse of what’s included. Why wait? Start improving your skills today and learn how to turn your passion into a profession.

At the end of the day, filmmaking isn’t about having the fanciest tools. It’s about knowing how to use what you’ve got to tell a story, captivate an audience, and create something memorable. Whether you’re working with iMovie or Premiere Pro, skills and creativity will always be your most important assets.