Using iMovie HD to Produce Your Video

You will use Apple's iMovie HD software to produce your videos in this class. It is easy to use, yet offers many tools to assist you in producing a very sophisticated video.

How to Use iMovie HD

Step 1 - Shoot your video footage (review Ms. Kline's Video Production Techniques handout).

• Use a storyboard; know what you want to shoot before you shoot it.
• Use a tripod; keep your camera steady while filming.
• Limit zooming; cut to close-ups instead.
• Use an external microphone, preferably wireless.
• Make sure that there is adequate lighting; use external lighting when the light is low.
• Crop your shots; the closer the subject, the more interesting the shot.
• You must shoot in a digital format, or convert your analog footage to digital format.
  

Step 2 - Import your digital video footage into iMovie HD.

• Connect your camcorder to your computer with a FireWire cable.
• Open the iMovie software.
• Turn on your camcorder and set it to VCR mode.
  
• Create a "New Project" and name it; it will be saved in your "Movies" folder.
• Click Import to import your desired footage into iMovie.

Step 3 - Edit your video clips.

• Split your video into clips. Click "Edit" and select "Split Video Clip at Playhead."
• Crop the video clips using the "crop markers" and delete the video you do not want to use.
• Arrange the video clips into your desired order.
• Drag the clips onto the clip viewer at the bottom of the screen.

Step 4 - Add titles or credits or captions to your video.

• Titles and credits offer information to the viewer (Example: “Starring...” or "Written by...").
• Captions explain people/places/scenes on the actual scene.
• Credits are given to everyone who contributed to this project.

Step 5 - Add video effects.

• Video effects change the visual effects of a clip.
• Example: black & white, fog, electricity video effects
  

Step 6 - Add music.

• Music adds interest.
• Adjust the volume so that other sounds are not masked.
• Import various sound formats from various sources (iMovie uses your iTunes library).
• Fade music in and out as desired.

Step 7 - Add transitions.

• Save this step until the end; you will need to remove a transition to reedit a clip.
• Choose your transitions carefully, a few will enhance the video flow; too many will be distracting.
• Choose one or two transition styles for the entire movie for continuity.

Step 8 - Add sound effects

• Be sparing, too many sounds are distracting.

Step 9 - Add voice-overs

• Narration can be an effective tool to explain scenes.
• Separate audio from a clip to change the audio on the clip.
• You can then move this audio file to a different clip if desired.
  

Step 10 - Export your iMovie to a portable format.

• There are multiple file formats & sizes to choose from (mini-DV, QuickTime, DVD, CD, e-mail).

Extra tips:

• Remember to save constantly!
• If you use music, images, and video that you have personally created, or that is in the public domain, such as from the Creative Commons, Jamendo, or the Wikimedia Commons web sites, you will be able to post your video to our class web page!
• Be patient while the iMovie is rendering (when you see the little red bars on a clip). iMovie needs time to process your editing. You may continue working, but try not to render too many clips at one time.

Shooting Your Video Project

Now that you have planned out your project with your team, you are ready to begin shooting!

Before filming, review Ms. Kline's Video Production Techniques handout. This has extensive tips about how to shoot video.

Your team should also review the equipment it will use before beginning to shoot your video.

Digital Video Camcorder

• Battery charged
• Recording Media (tape, flash card, hard disk, DVD) ready
  
• Lens Cap off
  
• Headphones plugged in
  
• Power cord ready to plug into an outlet in case the battery dies
  
• Know how to use your camcorder before filming

Tripod

• Essential for holding your camcorder steady while filming
• Check the removable base
• Use a 5# beanbag if there is not enough room for a tripod

External Lighting

• 3 sources of light (one behind the subject and one on both sides of subject) are best
  
• Clamp-on light
• Hand-held light
• Reflector screen

External Microphone

• A wireless microphone allows you to record audio away from video camera.
• The receiver plugs into camera.
• The microphone plugs into the wireless transmitter and is held by your subject.

Storyboarding Your Video Project

Whenever you begin a video project, you should plan your project using a storyboard. A storyboard will help you organize your project.

As you begin the project, ask yourself the following questions:

• What is your topic/theme?
• How many actors/characters are in the video?
• Where will you shoot your scenes/what is the setting?
• What equipment is needed to film?
• What props will you need? What objects will appear in the video?
• What do you want the actors/narrator to say in the video.
• How long do you want your video to be?
• Who will work on which jobs to produce your video?
  

Using a storyboard will help you know what you want to shoot before you begin. You will use the storyboard provided by the Schoolhouse Video program.

• How many scenes do you want to shoot?
• Sketch out each scene as you visualize it.
• Describe the camera angles you will use to shoot the scene.
• Write out a description for each scene below the sketch.
• If you do not attach a script, write the script below each scene.
• Will you add video effects to a scene?
• Will you add background music to your video?
• Will you add artwork to your video?

With your team, and using the storyboard provided, plan your entire video so you will know how you will shoot your video. Remember, your theme is a 60-second commercial for your chosen career.

Digital Video Project

This month you will work in a group to create your digital video project, a 60-second commercial about your chosen career.

You will learn:

• how to work with your peers as a team to create a digital video.
• how to create a storyboard to plan your video.
• how to film using a digital video camcorder.
• how to use video production techniques such as creative filming techniques, and using a microphone, tripod, and lighting to improve the quality of your video.
• how to use video editing software to edit your video and add titles, transitions, music, and narration.
• how to export your completed project to DVD.

Your team will be graded based on the following rubric:

1. Titles

• Appropriate to the theme of your video
• Opening Credits
• Clip subtitles
• Final Credits - Remember to acknowledge all contributors to your project
  

2. Transitions

• Appropriate to the theme of your video
• Style
• Length
• A transition should not negatively affect the sound or flow of the video

3. Editing

• Appropriate to the theme of your video
• Remove scenes that do not work in your video
• Maintain the continuity/smooth flow of your video

4. Creativity

• Appropriate to the theme of your video
• Music
• Artwork
• Effects

5. Clarity

• Appropriate to the theme of your video
• Speaking parts are clearly spoken
• Sound is clear and loud enough
• Titles are complete and spelled correctly
• Video is steady (use a tripod)