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.