Documentation:Video Basics/Get Started
You likely have the tools to make a video already, even if you don't have a camcorder. Web cams, digital cameras, and smart phones often have video recording features—many digital cameras even have a simple switch to choose between stills and video.
Most devices record in either the .AVI or .MPG formats, both of which are supported by most hosting services, and the video shot with them can be uploaded directly from the device or after being edited on your computer.
Equipment
You will need to choose a basic set of equipment to create your project. Essentially, your needs can be broken down into the following categories
Video
- video camera or one of the following devices (with video capabilities):
- iphone
- ipad
Audio
- clip on lavalier mics with extension cords(for most situations)
- handheld mic (for roving reporter/streeter type video)
- Rode smartLav Mic - Wired (for iphone/ipad recording)
- desktop mic (like a Blue)for table top, group recording.
Lighting
Editing
Video editing software: iMovie for Mac, Windows MovieMaker or another free video editing tool.
- iMovie
- Final Cut Pro
- Camtasia
- Screenflow (for Screencasting on Mac)
- workstation with computer, monitor and headset
All-in-One
Recommended list for an ipad kit for DIY media production.
- iPad 16 GB wifi w/ AppleCare
- Apple Polyurethane Smart Cover for iPad
- Adonit Green Jot Pro iPad Stylus
- One Sleeve 11" Black with Shoulder Strap
- Rode smartLav Mic - Wired
- Joy Factory Unite Universal Tablet Carbon Fiber C-CLAMP Mount for iPad
- Audio Extension Cable
- Apogee MiC Lightning
- Apogee MIC carry case
Tip: Make sure you have all of the equipment you need and test it (including the transfer to the computer you'll be using) to ensure it is in good working order and the recorded quality is what you need. If you don't have your own equipment you may be able to borrow what you need.
Pre-Production:Planning
The first place to start in planning your shoot is with the story. What's the story you want to tell? Knowing exactly what and how you are going to shoot (your subject) why you are shooting (your message), as well as the audience for which you are shooting, is very important part of planning.
Here are some resources that may help you in this phase of your project:
Storyboard/Scripts
- Storyboard template (from Penn State Media Commons) along with storyboarding tips and examples.
- For storyboard pointers check out storyboarding for explainer videos by Common Craft.
- For scripting pointers look at Scripting for explainer videos by Lee Lefever at Common Craft
Forms
Production: Creating
In this phase, you will be creating your project. You will have tested your recording device and planned your shoot or screencast with a storyboard.
Here are the resources that will support this phase of your project
lynda.com
Explore the following courses on lynda.com. For registration information, visit lynda.ubc.ca. Take note that the service is only available to UBC faculty, staff and post-doctoral fellows. If you are a student, please see additional resources.
Video Recording and Shooting
- Foundations of Video: Cameras and Shooting
- This course provides you with the information to start shooting your own movies and videos. It covers topics such as lighting, exposure, sound, and equipment.
- iMovie for iPad Essential Training
- You can start shooting and editing your own video using your own mobile devices. This course will walk you through the process of recording, editing, and exporting video on your iOS devices (e.g. iPad/iPhone) using the iMovie app.
Screencasting
- Camtasia Studio 8 Essential Training
- Camtasia Studio is a screencasting program where you can capture what is happening on your computer. This course will demonstrates how to set up, record, edit, and share screencasts for online lectures and assignment feedback.
Production Techniques and Approaches
- Camtasia for PC and Camtasia for mac: Using Camtasia and need some training? These short (2-5 min) videos offer excellent training support for beginners to advanced.
- How to Shoot a Good iphone video - Part of a great series from the iphoneographers. They also cover editing and app reviews for iphone moviemaking.
- Penn State's Video Production Tips
- Video Techniques from kdmcBerkely (School of Journalism) for more depth and detail.
- YouTube Tutorial Videos Video to help you with all phases of production.
- Indy Mogul's YouTube Channel Great Resource for DIY Video support for things like lighting, special effects.
B-roll Content
- Find OER : Open Professionals Education Network
- UBC's Image Sources Guide
- UBC's Public Domain Guide
Copyright
Do you need to find copyright safe sound or images for your project? The following resources can help:
- Image Sources: UBC's Copyright resource provides an excellent list of various "copyright safe" image databases and also includes some discipline specific ones as well.
- Creative Commons Guide: UBC's Copyright Guide provides lists of databases for free and "copyright safe" sounds, music and video for your digital media projects. It also helps you understand Creative Commons licenses and how and why you may want to apply one to your work.
- Public domain resources: this page provides an overview of what public domain is, how material in the public domain can be used, and much more, including quick tips to check if something is or is not considered public domain in Canada, as well as links to public domain sources.
Students and Copyright
- Why should I care about copyright?: this student-centered guide, put together by the UBC Learning Commons team, answers questions on the subject of copyright and addresses a number of myths and misconceptions surrounding copyright.
Post Production: Editing
This is where you will be adding your intro, your credits and acknowledgements (including references to any source material, images, music or video clips you have included) and assempled your project.
There are the resources that will be useful to you:
- Final Cut Pro X Essential Training
- Final Cut Pro X is a powerful video editing program widely used by professional videographers and filmmakers. It is available for use at various Mac Workstations in UBC Vancouver Library locations. This course will help you with the full editing process, from preparation to exporting.
Or, for students:
- Basic Tutorial for iMovie and Final Cut Pro