markngolf wrote:
I think the flash drive is an excellent idea. (already mentioned by others). One other possibility is to upload the movie to Youtube on a private site. A link to the recording on YouTube would allow others to view it. I use ProShow Gold. Of course you would have to be creative with the fund raising.
Mark
Indeed, would be a problem with newer computer/laptop with no DVD player but lots of USB connectors.
Allow me to begin with this: I have an old Dell laptop with both regular DVD and 2 USB slots and a slot for camera flash drive (e.g., Sandisk, Lexar, etc.) to download photos. I also have an external Blu-ray player/recorder connected to the laptop, as needed.
I can make slideshow/video of photos & home video into any format - DVD, Blu-ray disc, and thumb drive. I can also upload the slideshow/video to YouTube, facebook, Vimeo, etc. To do this, like Markngolf, I use ProShow software to create the slideshow/video and make copy to my preferred format.
I used to make copy from the slideshow software to regular DVD but can use it only once unless it's re-writable (more expensive). Currently, I use thumb drive for making copies. A 16-32 GB will accommodate lots of 15-30-minute slideshow program or video. With thumb drive, you can also delete old programs for newer program if you want to, unless it's a "keeper." In the long run, I think it's more cost-effective than regular 100-pack regular DVD. Convenience is another advantage. Most thumb drives have keyhole on them and insert in key ring. Also, this is just my own observation, the image quality copied into thumb drive seems better than the regular DVD. For the real "keeper" and best quality slideshow/video image (e.g., special wedding, family birthday, Christmas, memorable trips, etc.), I use Blu ray recorder to make a copy.
Markngold mentioned uploading the school movie to YouTube but you'll need to do it on YouTube's private site. Once uploaded, only those you grant permission will be able to watch it. You will have to send the link to the movie or show through each one's respective e-mail address. Will be a hassle unless you don't mind doing this. If you choose the "public" site, anybody who has access to YouTube will be able to see it. Since there are children involved, I doubt this will be an option.
If you go by thumb drive, the number of GB will depend on the number of photos or length of the show.
In my guesstimate, a 500 photos or a 15-30 minute show will most probably fit into a 2 GB thumb drive. You may want to look at 2.0 thumb drive (cheaper) rather than 3.0. The quality of image is same. The difference is the time it takes to make copy (faster with 3.0). Check Amazon for bundles and cost.
Once you make a copy of the show from the software to the thumb drive, you can then make as many copies as you want to more thumb drives using one of the USB slots in your laptop as "master" and another to copy. Just drag and drop. It's a breeze.