An Editing Adventure

In my previous post, I stated I was using Movie Maker to edit my first small video.  Unfortunately, Movie Maker couldn't handle the three to four minute video.  I was able to create and edit it.  But Movie Maker could not export it.  I was sad indeed.

So, while the video was trapped in a PC I began entertaining the idea of finally using iMovie to complete a video.  I'd only played with it a little a few years ago with some footage I recorded for fun.

My first hurdle was formatting (yet again) the video files into mov.  I got that done.  I used a jump drive to transfer all the files to a Mac and imported them into iMovie.

I had to use a search engine to look up how to do some things.  One thing I did not know how to do was add sounds.  It turns out iMovie comes with some nifty sounds that were perfect for my needs.  I also had to look up how to add titles and using transitions.

I think that might be where Movie Maker exposed it's main weakness.  I had a few spots with fades and from some research I found that particular application doesn't like a lot of transitions.  And just so you know, I did try breaking up the movie into smaller and smaller and smaller pieces but that tactic didn't work.

It took a bit of clicking in iMovie to figure out how to select for cutting and trimming.  Moving stuff around proved a bit more difficult than I expected.  But overall I found iMovie pleasant and easy to remember how to use.

One problem I have noticed so far is I did find it impossible to convert the final mov file to any other format.

The biggest thing I learned was I must continue to practice with any application I may use in the future (perhaps even years in the future).  As I ran into obstacle after obstacle while trying to get the video published I was getting a little frantic.  If I'd experienced at least some of the problems with a personal video where I could take my time learning and figuring out how to get things to work I wouldn't have gotten so stressed out.

On Making a Training Video

It’s time to give something back.

I’ve been gathering information and learning a lot from others who share their knowledge, wisdom and experience online.  Now, I’m taking my first brave step to add my own two cents worth.

In a recent tweet, Harold Jarche made a statement about creating something instead of just curating or passing on links (https://twitter.com/hjarche/status/460881735891562496).  I intend to continue sharing other’s work and add my own beginning with this first series of posts.

I have been given the opportunity and freedom to make a training video.  Here are some things to ask yourself and consider:

Number 1:  Do you have the equipment?  Our department does not have a camera.  However, we do have a Video Services department that loans cameras.  After a brief 30 minute overview I checked one out and began.

Number 2:  Have you recorded videos before?  Give yourself more than one hour before you begin recording the first scenes.  Having some experience beforehand recording videos is helpful.  But when using unfamiliar equipment it is a good idea to play with your new “toys” before doing any serious work with them.

Fortunately, I deem all my work play so I learned as I went.  This is a record of the momentous moments.  I hope you find them useful and informative.

Number 3:  What software are you using?  When recording for practice make sure to edit later in whatever application you will use.  In my case I am using MS Movie Maker for Vista because it works with Windows 7.  Also, be sure you have the correct card reader.  I had two old ones that were unable to transfer the files to a PC.  After resolving this issue, I had to convert the files to something Movie Maker could use.

Movie Maker can read AVI files but it doesn’t like them very much.  So I spent another 30 minutes converting everything to WMV.   Now things work much better.

Number 4:  While recording, use every type of microphone you have at hand.  I had three options:  one remote mic, a hand-held mic or the in-camera mic.  Because of the type of video I am making, the single remote mic is not an option.  The hand held mic could not pick up voices beyond a certain distance and in order to keep the mic out of frame it would be too far away from the actors.

Oh, yes.  The actors.  None of us are professionals.  The cast consists of four people on our training team – including me.  I am also the writer, director, producer and editor.

Number 5 is an editing tip.  Press Record 5 to 7 seconds before a scene begins and wait 5 to 7 seconds after it ends to pause recording.  This will give you plenty of space when editing.  In the zeal and excitement of our project we sometimes got carried away with ourselves (basically, we were having too much fun) and did not follow this rule every time.  When I went to edit and put scenes together the footage was usable but if I had followed this tip it would have made editing a lot easier.

Don’t worry, I plan to create a blooper/outtake reel once the project is completed.  That way you can learn and laugh at some of our mistakes.