I am a student filmaker just trying to build my portfolio and maybe
make a few amateur films for the student festival circuit. I finished
school so I no longer have access to their video labs so I need to get
my own stuff. I need some recommendations on where I should start. I
have a digital camcorder which isn't exactly movie quality, but it's
what I need to make do with. Back in school I edited on AVID. I can't
afford to buy a new Mac so I was wondering what programs anyone could
recommend that would be inexpensive and relatively easy for a novice
to use, but is still fairly good. Also any suggestions on something
that could put together some decent looking effects and titles. Any
other suggestions on what would be good to get me started and be able
to make somewhat professional looking videos on the cheap would be
appreciated.

Hi chance0110,

Have you checked out public access (or community) television? Even if
there is not a facility in your town, there may be one within
reasonable distance.  Getting certified as a producer isn't too
difficult usually.  You might have to take a couple of their
orientation classes, but with your training and experience it ought to
be fairly painless.  Once certified, you can have access to their
facilities, including equipment, which often includes location sets in
addition to the editing suite.

Here are a few links for you:
http://www.publicaccesstv.net/ 
http://www.openchannel.se/cat/linksus.htm
http://www.alliancecm.org/index.php?page_id=5

I'm sure with creativity and perseverance you'll be able to put
together a nice portfolio without having to have a huge bank account
to do it!  Best of luck!

Cheers,
Byrd-ga

Thanks for the information. I looked into it and unfortuantly the
local public television station around here used to belong to a local
community college. The college could not longer afford to fund the
station and it was sold to a public foundation. They charge to use
their facilities.

Forgive me if I misunderstand, but I think you may be confusing public
television stations (PBS) with public access (or community) television
facilities. They're really quite different things. If you think that
might be the case, perhaps taking a look to see where the nearest
community access facility is might be of some help, using the links I
provided.  If not, then that's really too bad for you.  Sorry!

Best,
Byrd-ga

I think you're right. I was confusing public access with PBS. I looked
more into the subject using the links you provided. It turns out there
is no public access station in my area (that I could find). The only
thing I could find was cable public access.

Hi chance0110, 

Really glad you looked into matters further, but don't give up there -
that's what they call it in my town too, i.e. "cable public access." 
They actually have 3 channels on the local cable band here devoted to
public access programming, and many of the certified producers do
broadast their programs. But you don't have to have a broadcast slot
to be able to use the facilities and equipment, though you can apply
for a slot if you like. However, once certified as a producer, you can
just go in and use the facilities, or check out equipment, etc. to
produce your programs. So the "cable access" place you found might
just be the ticket for you! Also, not all of them are included in the
links. Try your local yellow pages, or even blue pages. Maybe call a
local tv station and ask if they know of any public access facilities
in the area. And if you can get a number, couldn't hurt to give 'em a
call, right? Never know what it might lead to.

Wishing you best of luck!
Byrd-ga