Boldstep Loc: Western Oregon

With over 260 pages this may well have already been brought up but I'm too old and OK, lazy to go through them all so here goes.
I have recently gotten interested in doing some promotional videos/slide shows involving the horses. They have been very well received and I really enjoy it but I have a new project in the works and don't know how to achieve the effects I want. I have a program that has a lot of features but since I got it online there is no manual to quickly refer to. Is there anyone here who can tutor me or is there another Forum you can direct me to in order to learn more. Here is a link to one I did last summer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV4x2rj2JNo

BigDaveMT Loc: Plentywood, MT

It might help if you told us what program you are using.

Boldstep Loc: Western Oregon

Good Point! I use a PC. The program is Cyberlink Power Director 10, although the video I attached was done with an older version or possibly even Windows Movie Maker, I honestly don't recall.

BigDaveMT Loc: Plentywood, MT

The Cyberlink software has it's own set of forums. It might be worth it to join over there too.

http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/19405.page;jsessionid=2A92CCE3521D9777A840995FA4487D7F#101779

Boldstep Loc: Western Oregon

Thank you, I'll give them a try :)

Fotomann Loc: Toronto, Ontario Canada

I am a beginner myself and use the Power Director v.9
As a rule I do not like videos with background music alone.

Talking is a must, to capture the audience interest. I been looking a lot on YouTube for my video help.
Here are just a couple of links good luck and have fun.

PS I don't like reading much either. :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etVxvl6mcJ8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4UDTxYgiww

2 Dog Don Loc: Virginia Beach VA

Since I don't do video I can't comment but I loved the horses thanks for sharing

Boldstep Loc: Western Oregon

Talking is a must, to capture the audience interest. I been looking a lot on YouTube for my video help.

Thanks for the links! The Videomaker series looks like it has some interesting things to check out.
I agree that I hate the music some people choose with their videos. SO often it has absolutely nothing to do with the subject matter and only detracts, particularly if it is a vocal. Some are horrible! I get my music from a stock agency out of England that specializes in video and film/advertising clients. You will find the same piece of music in several versions and lengths to fit your needs and the cost is minimal. It is also copyright free so no problems when you go to load onto youtube or facebook. I think the music should be like a good frame to your picture. It's nice but the picture is what you want your viewers to pay attention to. The frame after a moment should simply help create the emotion of the image or in this case film. That said, unless you have a "radio" voice and something that is really important to say that you can't present any other way I don't particularly like a lot of talking. I had thought about doing voice overs of quotations I got for my latest slide show video but I found captions took care them fine. Here is a link to that video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re4yc7Acf48
I made this as a looping video to be shown at a horse exposition so it is a bit longer than the usual video. I am happy to say that as soon as I posted it on FB it took off and is now being shown on Morgan club sites across the country and at our National offices. The next project is more complex though and I need to learn some mulitple fading techniques, etc. to get it the way I envision it.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Narration is important, and for that you need someone with a good voice and good presentation. If you have background music with narration, make sure the voice is louder than the music.

PowerDirector 10 is a very good program, and they have a good forum. My son uses it.

This video could have been shot a few miles from my house - looks just the same.

Fotomann Loc: Toronto, Ontario Canada

I say its no need to have a radio voice. We talk all day to everyone. just be yourself.

I know it does take practice just like taking Fotos :-)

I am making my family tree as well as some clips for you tube.

It helps me sometimes just to do all the talking first then adding the pictures and videos after the fact.

I also tried some Green Screen hihihi
But I know what you mean.

Like I mentioned before having fun --that's all :-)

BigDaveMT Loc: Plentywood, MT

You can do your own voice overs, but it is really more than just talking. Just like photography is much more than pressing the shutter button after pointing the camera.

If your video is a collection of family photographs, I'd say having a family member narrate would be a plus. But if your video is meant to be a business promo piece, hire a professional.

alienmurphy Loc: Alaska

:thumbup: Jerry makes a VERY important point. Too many videos are completely ruined because the music is TOO loud. When I hear that in a video I immediately turn it off and look elsewhere.

woodworker236 Loc: Western, Pennsylvania Home of the first JEEP

I don't believe you need any help, that video was very nice.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

dimondon Loc: Georgia

I did many videos a while back also many slide shows. I found that Pinnacle Studio was an excellent editor. It is simple and straight forward and will do most anything you need to do, i.e., you do not have to have a Phd to use it.

rayford2 Loc: New Bethlehem, PA