iMovie: How can I import .avi's?

[Fardogg]

I'm trying my hand at iMovie for the first time and I want to import an .avi movie from my hard drive and edit it into a music video but I can't figure out any way to do this. Is it possible to import non camcorder/video camera movies into iMovie. If not are there any free video editors out there that can. I want to give video editing a try for a small project.
Thanks

[simsaladimbamba]

You need to transcode the .avi file before import.

While the following video is using a video DVD as example, you can use MPEG Streamclip just as easily to transcode the .avi file, just select "Open Files" instead of "Open DVD" to open the .avi file.

Once completed, you can then either choose to MOVE or COPY the file in iMovie.

[Fardogg]

Thanks bud, that was super easy.