Lost Video Island

SuperKC · Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 7:23 am Post subject: Windows Movie Maker

First of all, my name is KC and I have never made a video before so I'm a complete newbie.

I was able to import a song that I'd like to use to Windows Movie Maker - but whenever I attempt to import a video clip, the program has an error and has to shut down, and on a couple of occasions, has made my whole computer shut down and not in the friendly "windows is shutting down now" way. In more of an abrupt, "here's a blue sreen with distorted writing that you can't read because GOODBYE!" sort of way.

This is not good! I imagine.

What am I doing wrong?

DreamVision · Advanced Vidder Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 20

What kind of file is the video clip you are trying to import? Is it an .AVI, .WMV or maybe and .MPG? How big is the clip file? I use Premiere Pro so I don't know a lot about WMM but I know most programs will shut down and sometimes make your computer crash if you try to import a non-compatible file type.
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~ Barbi ~

Hobbes · Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 7:29 am Post subject:

technologically speaking... that ain't right

but yes, do tell those things there...

DreamVision · Advanced Vidder Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 20

What isn't right?
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~ Barbi ~

SuperKC · Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 7:47 am Post subject:

The clip in question is, in fact, an AVI. It's 10 minutes in length and about 19.1 MB. Only because I don't know how to make it shorter. Is there a way to cut clips in Windows Media Player or some other program? I only need about .5 of a second from it.

I've heard a lot of talk about the poor quality of Windows Movie Maker for making these videos, but unfortunately, that's all I've got right now.

If this doesn't work out for me, what program would you suggest for a beginner - in that it is easy to learn and reliable?

MarieWP · Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Posts: 20

Ulead's Video Studio is a really nice beginner program. Easy to use and makes videos with beautiful picture quality. Costs about $100 though. You can get a free trial at ulead.com

SuperKC · Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 2:04 pm Post subject:

It's funny you should say that. I've always been a fan of Ulead's graphic programs. They're not astronomical in price as some are, and you can create pretty decent graphics with them if you learn to utilize the tools to your advantage. And me, I've always been a fan of the simplistic type designs anyway. I use an embarrassingly old version of their Photo Plus to this day.

Hopefully the same will be true for the video studio. I will definately check out that free trial.

DreamVision · Advanced Vidder Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 20

Video Studio is a great program to learn video making on. It was the program I started out on and I figure if I can learn how to use it anyone can LOL. It is very easy to use yet still makes quality videos. There are actually some aspects of it that I would have loved seeing in Premiere but no such luck. As for their graphics programs, when I first started making graphics on the computer MANY years ago I used PhotoImpact and it had some great stuff.
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~ Barbi ~

Hobbes · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 1:36 am Post subject:

SuperKC · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:30 am Post subject:

I wasn't able to get WMM to work. I don't know why! I downloaded the trial of Ulead and it's working just fine.

I learned a lot with it today, stuck home from work because of a snowstorm. I haven't messed with the fades yet - I don't know if I should or not for what I'm doing. The clips are so short - the video is only 1 minute 7 seconds long - I think fancy footwork would just be a distraction.

I just have one question. How could I enter some blank time at the end to put my name and the song and artist and such?

MarieWP · Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Posts: 20

Been awhile since I've done this so hopefully my memory is right...
On the top menu, choose Title, then Edit. In the left hand column, click on Create Title. When you're done creating the title, I think you just drag it down to your timeline. The titles go in the T track. In the main track, you can either insert a color tile such as black (choose Edit then Color on the top menu), a still image of your choosing, or film footage (any of those go in your main track). Your title will appear over that color tile, image or footage in your video. Good luck with it!

btw, when you purchase the program, you get a lot of additional filters and transitions. But whether you purchase it or not, there are a couple of free patches/updates on the site you can download too.

SuperKC · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 5:46 am Post subject:

Holy cow that was easy peasy lemon squeezie! Thanks for all of your help!

Would anybody be willing to look at my video before I submit it? I am going to submit it to the contest for March, but as this is my first video, I'm getting a little nervous about it! Ack!

SuperKC · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 6:27 am Post subject:

If anyone would like to, here is a link to the file. It's zipped: http://we-happy-few.net/downloads/GodIsDead.zip

I am still too unsure about it to submit it for the contest. Maybe I'll do it in the morning.

DreamVision · Advanced Vidder Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 20

Oh nicely done KC! The picture quality is clear and sharp. I only saw a very brief section where the aspect ratio looked slightly off but I know that is very hard to control with limited material. The titles were well done and the music was very fitting. It set the mood very well. If this was your first attempt at a music video then I would say you are off to a good start. The editing was crisp too, no extra frames at all. Very nice indeed!
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~ Barbi ~

MarieWP · Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Posts: 20

I agree with what Barbi said. The editing is nice and clean and I really liked it.