Video Project Calculator

Step #1: Slideshow Planning Tips

Go over the assignment and understand what is needed for the final project. Think about what pictures you will need to collect to complete the project.

Some things to do before you begin your shoot:

• brainstorm individually or with your group
• write a project outline
• review Video Production Tips to get ideas for how to shoot
• storyboard your project: include shots, voiceover, titles, etc.

You will want a still camera to take your photos. Make sure you allow enough time to borrow one ahead of your assignment if you do not have your own.

University Park: Cameras, tripods and SD cards are available to rent free of charge at Media Tech in the Wagner Building Annex. You can rent equipment for three days at a time.
Commonwealth: Cameras and tripods are available to borrow from the Media Commons loaner pool, free of charge. Check your Location page for more information about borrowing equipment.

Step #1: Video Planning Tips

Go over the assignment and understand what is needed for the final project. Think about what media assets you will need to collect to complete the project (video, photos, music, voiceovers, etc.). Also think about what techniques you want to use to make your project compelling.

Some things to do before you begin your shoot:

• brainstorm individually or with your group
• write a project outline
• review Video Production Tips to get ideas for how to shoot
• storyboard your project: include shots, voiceover, titles, etc.

You will also want to borrow a video camera before your shoot if you do not have or intend to use your own. These are first come, first served, so make sure to allow enough time.

University Park: Video cameras, tripods, microphones, lighting equipment and SD cards are available to rent free of charge at Media Tech in the Wagner Building Annex. You can rent equipment for three days at a time.
Commonwealth: Cameras and tripods are available to borrow from the Media Commons loaner pool, free of charge. Check your Location page for more information about borrowing equipment.

Step #2: Production Tips

Images

Things to consider before you take photos:

• make sure your battery is charged before going to take your photos
• set your camera to the highest quality resolution
• make sure you have space on your SD card
• if you’re using an advanced camera, familiarize yourself with how to operate its more advanced settings
• review your photos before leaving a location

Audio

To record narration/voiceovers, you can use the audio recording rooms and sound booths at your Media Commons location. Consider making an appointment with a consultant (University Park) or using the Tutorials and Hotline (all Locations) the first time you plan to record.

Step #2: Production Tips

Video

Things to consider before shooting:

• make sure your battery is charged before going to record
• if you are recording audio, consider using an external microphone, especially in noisy spots
• if you've borrowed a wireless mic, make sure it also has enough battery life to get through your shoot
• make sure you have space on your internal memory or SD card
• set your camera to record at the highest quality resolution
• if you’re using an advanced camera, familiarize yourself with how to operate the camera and change its settings
• make sure that you review your footage before leaving a location

Audio

To record narration/voiceovers, you can use the audio recording rooms and sound booths at your Media Commons location. Consider making an appointment with a consultant (University Park) or using the Tutorials and Hotline (all Locations) the first time you plan to record.

Step #3: Editing Your Slideshow

Make sure you allow more than enough time to edit your project. The editing process usually takes a lot longer than expected. Keep in mind that you will not only need to arrange your shots, but you will also need to add a combination of music, narration, text and other effects to create an effective slideshow.

Media Commons facilities can be used in order to edit your project in iMovie or Final Cut Pro. If you would like a consultant present to help you with you edit at University Park, you can schedule an appointment. Online tutorials, modules and the Hotline are also available at every location.

If you need to work on your project for more than one editing session, you can use the Media Commons Storage Space.

Step #3: Editing Your Video

Make sure you allow more than enough time to edit your project. The editing process usually takes a lot longer than expected. Keep in mind that you will not only need to trim and arrange your shots, but you will also need to add a combination of music, still images, narration, text and other effects to create an effective video.

Media Commons facilities can be used in order to edit your project in iMovie or Final Cut Pro. If you would like a consultant present to help you with you edit at University Park, you can schedule an appointment. Online tutorials, modules and the Hotline are also available at every location.

If you need to work on your project for more than one editing session, you can use the Media Commons Storage Space.

A note on publishing...

Consult the project description or your instructor for how you will be submitting your project when it is finished. Typically you will be uploading to YouTube or iTunes U or submitting a flash drive.

Here are some tutorials to get you started:

• How to Export Your iMovie Project to YouTube
• How to Export for iTunes U from iMovie