Windows 7: movie editing in windows 7

hey I was just wondering if its possible to edit movies in windows 7? and what the copy-right regulations are for taking a piece of a climate change documentary from bbc for a climate change paper to be presented to the 21C energy summit in melbourne, they are currently running a climate change paper competition for university students and I would like to take some snippets of the BBC Climate Change documentary (Earth the Climate Wars) any help appreciated.

well i just downloaded a free open-source video-editing tool cinecode, unforunately it doesn't want to run in windows 7, as any1 else had the same difficulties

Hi anthony,

Have you tried running it in compatability for Vista?

(right-click the main executable -> properties -> compatability -> Vista (any SP))

Might be worth trying

thanks very much, i did try that and it didn't work, I am now going to try to use microsoft windows live movie maker beta to see if that gets the job done, anything I should do to check copyrights associated with documentary?

Well there's Windows Live Movie Maker for 7 and Vista which is still in Beta and so far is pretty basic and Movie Maker for Vista which is its precursor and is more sophisticated. The later I believe will run under 7 with a little compatibility work. (there is some talk that you need to run a portable version - but I don't run it so, frankly, I don't know.
Both are free. Get them from Microsoft.

VirtualDub has a good reputation and is Open Source I think.

As to the copyright issue that is much more complex. The BBC does have some very progressive ideas on copyright but I'm not up to date on that and can't advise you. I suspect however that there is a great deal of material on the BBC website in that regard. At one time the greatest limitations were for residents outside the UK so that may be a problem for you.
Otherwise you will need permission to use any substantial excerpts from their programs, tho if it is for review, critical or educational purposes you might legally be able to use short grabs. You will need to follow that up.

The terms of the competition may explain that more, or possibly the competition administration may be able to help.

Good luck.

If I have helped please hit the scales to increase my reputation. Thanks.

if i'm not adding effect and just editing i use videoredo - if i am trying to do overlays and greenscreening i will boot into an xp install.

Edit: a few years ago a friend of mine wanted to use some footage from ABC australia's CNNNN program he simply sent the producer an email of the particular clip and a week later the whole series arrived at his doorstep free of charge, although it was on VHS. TV networks can be surprising if you straight out ask them.

I use Sony Vegas Pro 9 and I love it, I believe you can get a trial on their site.
Sony Creative Software - Vegas Pro, Vegas Movie Studio, and Vegas Movie Studio Platinum Edition