Video tools, apps and tips

It’s the final concurrent session of ASTD2014, we are going to make a video. It should be easy, (almost) free, relevant and successful. Bring it on Stacy Bodenner!

 

So, your CEO comes to you and says “Make me a film for our 30th anniversary”. You have a USB microphone, a webcam and $300… *

* I’m secretly hoping to beat this budget, but frankly, it’s not much of a cost to off-set if you will make more than one film

 

Tools you might want

• A reasonably good microphone – the speaker proposes a Go Mic for $40
• A pop-guard if you want to avoid “T” and “P” popping sounds on your audio. If you don’t want to buy one, you could make you own (instructional video here)
• A simple video-making app or some software on your computer
• Time

 

What apps or software can I make video with?

• ScreenR allows you to capture whatever is on your PC screen + add audio. Easy and intuitive.
• MS PowerPoint if you just want to convert your PPT slides into simple video – make it less text-driven and feel free to use some animation. Click on “send to”..
• Vine app if 6 seconds is enough for you
• Animoto app if you want to use videos (Vine included) and photos already on a smartphone or tablet
• MS Movie Maker (free on MS) allows you to trim video, add photos, sound and transitions
• Garage Band if you want to make your own music. It’s easy, even if you are not a musician and don’t have instruments. Honestly! Cost about $6. Or just get on Creative Commons for a list of free legal music sources…
• If you want a a full editing suite at about $12 on ipad, try Pinnacle (formally known as Avid Studio)

 

Little tips

• Make a storyboard in advance to think about what you want to show and say
• Use the rule of thirds for set-up of your picture frames
• Avoid having light coming through windows onto your subject’s face
• You can use MS PPT slides to make logo images or backgrounds or transition slides
• Render your video in the highest possible quality
• Keep your videos short … 30 to 90 seconds
• Take the time to add some title or closing text

 

See also my tips from Matt Pierce at ASTD2013

Thanks for reading!