How to make your own video
Once upon a time, videos were made only by professionals and shown on TV or cinema screens. Today, almost anyone can make a video and broadcast it on the web – you simply need a smartphone and an internet connection to do so.
If you’d like to have a go at making your own video but you’re not sure where to start, rest assured the process is simple. There are loads of online resources dedicated to helping you make your first video – here’s our pick of the best of them.
Making and uploading videos
First, you need to get to grips with the basic filming process. If you’re filming on a video recorder, these YouTube tutorials are full of great tips. You’ll then need to transfer your video files to your computer and edit them using video editing software, like Windows Movie Maker or Final Cut Pro.
Alternatively, if you’re shooting on a smartphone or iPad, the process will be much simpler: you’ll just need to point and shoot. With apps like iMovie, Magisto and Splice, you can also edit videos easily on your phone. This means you can upload videos or video clips to sites like YouTube and Vimeo directly, almost as soon as you’ve shot them.
For a comprehensive overview, read Digital Trends’ definitive guide to creating and uploading YouTube videos. This great article from Popular Mechanics has some tips on how to shoot great smartphone videos too. And if you’re serious about shooting videos on a regular basis, this video from expert Steve Stockman has some indispensable advice.
Alternatively, if you want to shoot very short videos – for example, grabbing a quick clip of your grandchild’s first steps or capturing the sunrise on a beautiful morning – your best option may be Vine. Vine is an app that lets you film six-second videos on your smartphone and upload them directly to social networking sites, and it’s incredibly simple to use.
Considering the focus of your video
It’s easiest to start practising on family and friends when you begin making videos. But when you’ve mastered the skills, it’s time to consider the many different kinds of videos you can make. For instance, if you run a business, you’ll know that YouTube is a simple and effective way to get your brand out there. These YouTube guidelines for businesses will help shed some light on how you can take advantage.
Alternatively, if you’re applying for a job or making a career change, a video CV could be exactly what you need to stand out from the crowd – especially if the role requires an outgoing personality and strong presentation skills. Consult these video CV tips from Total Jobs for more guidance – and remember to submit a printed CV at the same time in case this type of application is new to your potential employer.
Finally, it’s important to remember that not all videos need to feature live action. You can make animated videos too with online tools like GoAnimate, which are great for the budding cartoonist.
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