Best Way to Learn Video Production?

[Kat Bartone]

Hi all,

I know video is where it's at. I have a huge bee in my bonnet about wanting to learn to make great videos.

Here's what I'd like to do:

1. Learn to make some great Camtasia/Powerpoint vids - I want to get past the bland static PPTs and figure out how to do some compelling special effects etc. I have camtasia 6 and powerpoint 2003.

2. Learn to produce videos using my digicams (I've got a nice Canon camcorder, as well as a kodak zi8). Frame rates, best formats, all the other techie stuff.

3. Learn to edit both the video and audio tracks. I've got a nice external mic that should work, which also means figuring out how to get video and audio synced up.

I haven't used audacity yet, nor have I yet purchased sony vegas.

If anyone can recommend any resources to me - training courses, memberships, etc. - I'd appreciate it.

Thanks much!

- Kat Bartone

[Dan C. Rinnert]

Try a dedicated video magazine. Long ago, I used to be a subscriber to Videomaker and a couple other video magazines. They have websites now (Videomaker.com).

That and another whose title I can't recall were always good for all the stuff you need to know to put together great video.

[Diver's]

Hi Kat,

Here is what i think, i hope this helps.

1. Learn to make some great Camtasia/Powerpoint vids - I want to get past the bland static PPTs and figure out how to do some compelling special effects etc. I have camtasia 6 and powerpoint 2003.

With PPT, your client can easily view your video after they have downloaded your ppt.file. Well, you can always add/insert video file to powerpoint.The best thing about using your video with powerpoint is you can add beautiful custom graphic at the 'lower third'/ left or right side graphic as you like without much hassle and it is much clearer.


2. Learn to produce videos using my digicams (I've got a nice Canon camcorder, as well as a kodak zi8). Frame rates, best formats, all the other techie stuff.
Well, start shooting and learn a few principle and technique of video production for free at Learn Video Production, Digital Video Editing, Camcorder Reviews, Videography. Basically, you just have to know the proportion, angle, and maybe learn how to use green screen and meta-chroma to create stunning graphic and background.


3. Learn to edit both the video and audio tracks. I've got a nice external mic that should work, which also means figuring out how to get video and audio synced up.

I haven't used audacity yet, nor have I yet purchased sony vegas.

There are several easy and user friendly software such as UleadVideoStudio 11 and Pinnacle Studio Plus with easier learning curve. Within just two hours of meddling around, you can easily understand how the whole editing process. And with Pinnacle multi-layering your video/graphics and audio is very easy. An external mic will be good in voice over and video narration in a pre produce video. Its pretty easy actually. Just get the right editing software to suite level of expertise.

[Steven Wagenheim]

Kevin Riley has a great book on the subject. Contact him and I'm sure he
can help you.