iMovie

Over the weekend I took some random video without any read idea of how I would use it. I tried to remember some of the shots we learned about in class (e.g. close up, far away, etc.). When I was using my camera to take the video I turned the camera as i often do, to take the vertical shot. I assumed I would be able to edit this in class using iMovie. Unfortunately, I was wrong.

Thus I ended up using my one video clip that was facing the right way. I added transitions, titles, music and sound effects using iMovie. I uploaded it to Media Mill and then to YouTube.

I was amazed at how easy it was to make the video and work with iMovie to add effects. The technical part was easy--I can see how the challenge is in making the content good. I think it would be interesting to use this in conjunction with a piece of academic writing such as have the students write a traditional research paper and then assign a video project to go along with it. I wonder if students would enjoy that as much or if enjoyment has to do with being creative and putting their personality into the video--like the high schoolers.

I like how Elizabeth had some many examples of how to break down the projects into smaller pieces--such as analyzing the shots in the Burger King commercial. It is amazing to think how much more accessible video is with the advent of YouTube--to find both good and bad examples of video. I also think breaking down the projects in so many small steps would help to discourage the weekend video session--and improve quality.