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| Nicole from Madlab Post |
More Easy Production Ideas for A to Z Video Challenge Entries – Part 2
Live shots, which are one of the easiest ways to make a promo for the A to Z Video challenge and get it up online was covered in Part 1 of my production tips for bloggers. Since all videos are not made equal, there are additional ways that you can promote the 2012 Blogging from A to Z Challenge using video editing programs that came with your computer and video footage that you recorded on a camcorder or modern day gadget such as an iPhone or digital camera. Here are some options that can be used to step things up a notch on the editing side when making an online video.
Import the recorded footage that you want to use into a video editing program that came with your computer. This can be done using either a firewire cable or a USB cable, depending on the camera that you have. If you are using a PC, then you will be making your video with Windows Movie Maker. Mac users can use iMovie to edit their videos.
To make this process easier, it may be better for you to start off with one or two Live Shot recordings based on the previous post (Part 1) on video tips. Once your video footage is imported into the video editing program, you can trim the footage so that the finished video only includes the portion of the footage that you want. You can also add titles to the video, which makes for a good time to add the address of the A to Z Challenge website in your video somewhere. The screen in Windows Movie Maker and iMovie will display the running time, so you can make sure that it is 2 minutes or less.
You can also add a music track by importing an MP3 song or audio recording from your computer, into the video editing program and then adding it underneath your video on the timeline (assuming you are either using Windows Movie Maker or iMovie, but other editing programs such as Adobe Premiere Express allow you to add music as well…I just don’t remember what the interface of that particular program is like, so I won’t comment on it at this time) for an extra layer to your Blogging from A to Z promo. Once you have the video done the way you like it, export it or save it and then upload it online somewhere where it can be viewed by the public and submit it using the submission form on the A to Z website and then you're done.
Actually, you’re not done….don’t forget to promote it to your blogging friends and social networks or mention it or embed it on your own blog.
Awesome summary! Thanks, Nicole.
ReplyDeleteJust made my first movie on iMovie. Well, the first one I could say was actually viewable. I'll see what I can do to for the A-Z Challenge and use your tips. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nicole. You've almost convinced me that I could actually make a video! It's like when one of my pals does a tutorial on her blog explaining how to make {insert item here} following these three easy steps". I still haven't tried either...but convincing me that *maybe* I could is a great start!
ReplyDeleteThe A-Z'ers are getting some great advice from you! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your expertise with us.
Tina @ Life is Good
Co-Host of the April 2012 Blogging from A to Z Challenge
Twitter:
@AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge
If I could ever get caught up with everything, I might take some time to make a movie. I really want to make one so much.
ReplyDeleteLee
Matthew MacNish,
ReplyDeleteI hope this means you'll be submitting a video to the A to Z Video challenge, showing off all of your awesome ideas and perspectives on such an even more awesome blogging event:)
Alex J Cavanaugh,
Thank you...glad you like the tips.
cleemckenzie,
What was your movie about? Is is online somewhere where we can check it out?
iMovie appears to be more satisfying to use than Movie Maker, which is one of the reasons I want a Mac so bad. I understand what you mean by "viewable." After spending a few hours on a second A to Z Video last week, I decided that I'm not even going to use it because I don't like the finished work. Maybe I'll post it one YouTube and title is as one that did not make the cut, or something, lol.
Tina,
Realizing that you CAN make a video is half the battle. The other half is doing it, so it looks like you already have the first part down. I think you'd make a great one. Here are some ideas that you can consider -- since my tutorial inspired you, maybe your video could be an inspirational tutorial for other bloggers to either join or promote the challenge:
Make a short two-minute video tutorial on....
1. How to follow the A to Z Challenge schedule in April.
or
2. How to visit other blogs participating in the A to Z Challenge, based on where you are on the signup list.
or
3. How to find the A to Z Challenge online. This video can feature not only the website address, but URL addresses of the A to Z hosts...hey, you could even match them up along with letters of the alphabet; and also feature the A to Z Twitter hashtag, A to Z newspaper and A to Z banners that are available....Talk about a promo video!
Easy as can be. You can do it!
Arlee,
The feeling of wanting to make one so much may eventually overcome you and then that's when you'll find the time to make a movie. I wouldn't worry about it....you'll know when the time has come or when you have the inspiration to make one, and it will be fantastic!
I also think that would be cool because participants get to see a video from the actual host of the challenge --, specifically because if you put one up, then I believe that no one else has an excuse to not submit one for the A to Z Video Challenge. It's like a total kick in the rear that may get those sitting on the fence in gear and put them into action on making a video for the challenge.
In fact, if you or one of the other hosts make one, I challenge other participants to try and make a sequel to that particular video....using tips from either of my two guest posts about the video challenge. HA!
The Madlab Post
Thank you for the expert advice on making videos. This comes in handy for the A-to-Z Video Challenge, but also for things like book trailers, etc. I have a Mac, but only use it for writing and haven't played with it nearly enough!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas for publicizing the event, and ones I hadn't thought of, thanks!
Shannon at The Warrior Muse, co-host of the 2012 #atozchallenge! Twitter: @AprilA2Z