Powerful Video Editor Lightworks Released as Open Source

EditShare, the company behind Academy and Emmy award-winning video editing software Lightworks announced plans to release its product under an open source license. Lightworks was most recently used to edit movies like Shutter Island and Centurion, but is also credited with helping create otehr films like Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Mission Impossible.

Lightworks Open Source is packed with a ton of features including 3D editorial functionality, native RED editing, native 2K support with DPX and RED, and Universal Media File support. It can also share media and work in tandem with other editing software such as Final Cut Pro and Avid.

Under development since 1989, the Lightworks project was acquired by EditShare in 2009. The company says releasing it under an open source license so it can reach its "full potential."

“EditShare has built a reputation for offering open solutions that enhance collaboration. In taking this uncharted path with Lightworks, we follow this same principle,” said James Richings, Co-Managing Director, EditShare EMEA in a prepared statement. “Lightworks Open Source offers a highly collaborative development environment based on powerful and feature-rich underlying technology, which has come from over one million hours of software development."

EditShare plans to let developers create and sell plugins, options, or I/O devices through an online market place. According to Tara Montford, EditShare's Co-Managing Director, "We are increasing our development and support staff, and all contributed code will be thoroughly managed by our distinguished Lightworks team, ensuring the reliability of the new Lightworks Open Source editor.”

Lightworks won't be officially available until Q3 of this year, but you can sign up to be notified when it's released.