Making Movies

Overview

Things to Think About When Planning Your Video Project
(slide presentation by Dr. Aimee Berger)

Introduction to the Video Production Process (handout)

Stages of Production

We use the familiar scheme of Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production to help break down and talk about the stages in the process of video production, but you should realize that this scheme is more cyclical than linear. For example, during the editing process (a matter of Post-Production) you may realize that you need to go back and shoot some additional footage (part of the Production stage).

1. Pre-Production

Conceive of the movie and make logistical plans. Plan a list of the video shots you will record, consider the types and angles of shots, and develop your movie idea through storyboards or scripts. More >>

2. Production

Create the content that will become your movie. Consider what’s needed for good lighting, useful audio, and clear video shots. More >>

3. Post-Production

Import your video from the camera to the computer, and make decisions about memory and file storage. Then, use Mac software (iMovie) or Windows (Movie Maker) to assemble your content, edit it into a movie, and prepare it for distribution. Learn about storyboard view, working with a timeline, and adding transitions and effects. More >>

Resources

for Production

MediaCollege.com provides tutorials and guides for using cameras, setting up shots, editing video, and working with different formats.
http://www.mediacollege.com/video/

Consult the interactive BBC Good Shooting Guide for details about the art of camera work
http://www.bbctraining.com/modules/5915/index.asp

Which editing software should you use?: Windows Movie Maker vs. Mac iMovie: A Comparison

for iMovie

Web Tutorial for iMovie 8 (the newest version)
http://www.apple.com/ilife/tutorials/#imovie

Free download of iMovie 6 (for Macs only)
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/imovieHD6.html

Getting Started with iMovie 6

Overview: "Getting Started" videos about iMovie 3 (not the current version, but many of the same features)
http://movies.atomiclearning.com/k12/imovie3x

for Movie Maker

Using Windows Movie Maker (handout)

Overview videos about Movie Maker 2 (not the current version, but many of the same features)
http://movies.atomiclearning.com/k12/moviemaker2