Moms Advice

My husband is very experienced with all the aspects of home film making with a digital video camera. Please feel free to email me and I will forward his email address to you. He can recommend programs for editing and give you tips to make it all easier.

Hi,
My husband makes videos from still digital photos and/or digital video using Pinnacle Studio software. It is pretty user-friendly and you can drag and drop music to match the images. It also comes with transitions and effects that make the whole thing look professionally done. He also has a converter for converting VHS format to digital. It's also made by Pinnacle and is called Movie Box. It connects to a video camera or VHS player and then to your computer. We've used the pinnacle software to put together a whole production for our boys' various sports teams and they always turn out great. We've had sucess making a DVD of a family vacation using both digital photos and digital video which we shared with everyone, so I think you'll be pleasedwith the results, and so will your family. I can't help you with the equipment information, but the Pinnacle software can use images of moderate to high quality and still make a great show.

Good luck-you'll have a blast putting it all together.

Hi Alison,
My husband just did a slide show for my son who turned 13. He found the quickest and easiest way was to line up your pictures then take a pictue of the picture in order you want them to be. (be sure to avoid glare and have them near a lamp for good lighting) after that, download them to your computer and add the music. You can some how pause certain pictures to last longer and can zoom in on certain people. I think he used i-photo. I'm not sure. It was quite lovely and it is easier than moveing them aroud in the computer. Another friend did one recently which ended up to be quite time consuming, he regreted not calling my husband. Good Luck and God bless you, your family and your project.
L.

I am an author of two non-fictional books which I self-published. One is about my life. The latest ones is a futuristic fictional which I have handed over to a publishing house and screenplay agent.
For your Dad you need to begin a journal. Going back as far as you can remember and than reseraching through family albums, talking to other family members and friends. this is the hardest part of writing, the research. While flying I usually carry a pad and pen so I can write my ideas enroute. Otherwise, whenever a thought comes to me I stop and write it down. Than when you feel the time is right, you begin putting it in the computer. I have my books stored on a thumb and a backup disk in case of computer crash. It takes time and a lot of patience . Good luck on your quest. P.Murphy

A., I don't know anything about cameras but your auto immune disorder caught my eye. A good friend of mine has been fight a rare auto immune disorder. What's yours called? Sorry about the loss of your father. Losing parents is so hard. T.

I am on a similar mission. My father was an avid filmer. He left us with countless hours of 8mm film from the 50s, 60s and 70s which I am converting to DVD. It depends on how much money you want to spend and what you have already. I use Pinnacle software on the PC. It was less than $100 ($19 after rebates) on my existing PC. I input my video camera into the USB port to capture the film directly to the PC. I also have a DVD recorder that I input the camera in directly to archive large quanitites of film that I can use the software to edit off the DVDs later. The scanner is great for pictures. What are you starting with?

I wish I knew what kind of camera would do all those things but I don't. For editing film on your computer I would say you will need a good editing program more than a camera for that portion. Personally I have a little Flip Video Ultra that is a very simple camcorder, it holds 60 minutes of film and is about as easy to use as they get. It records pretty well in all lighting and the mic on it is good for 12 feet (and balances the voices well so the camera man isn't deafening). I got it due to the good reviews on Amazon and the price (hard to beat $140) and the size (just about fits in your hand so won't break your back in the diaper bag). Anyway it doesn't allow you to edit the film after making it on camera but I love that I can immediately hook it up to the TV and watch what I taped or download it to the computer (where you could edit with a program if you bought one).
Hope my info helps, good luck with your film and I hope you feel better soon. Nothing makes the pain go away but it does ease in time and the hard memories and random crying will be replaced by all the good memories you had and a great comfort.
*hugs*
Meg

would you consider hiring someone to put your ideas together? you can get the camera and record the footage. getting the software, etc. can be costly, and editing video is extremely time consuming. it took me a few months to do video clips of my son to capture his first year. i didn't even do music.

if you are set on doing it yourself, you should check out iMovie and iDVD for Macs. that's what i used and it's very simple. iDVD can help you format your clips for a DVD format, with menu, etc.

i don't know what you would use for a PC.

A.,
I am sorry about your dads's passing and I know it is important to keep those precious memories alive. A film or video is the best way to keep them alive and also to share them with many generations. I would recommed calling the SF Academy of Arts to see if there is a film student interested in taking on this project. SF Casting might be another resource for you. They cast for major films and might also know independent film producers or those just getting started who need the experience. I pray that you become well soon to tackle this great endeavor. Best of luck to you. As for me, I am a home organizer who knows a lot about networking.
Warmly,
B. S.
A Space for Everything

I know someone else already suggested this, but I have to second their suggestion. I was VERY clueless about all of the things you mentioned until I got my Mac. I LOVE it and will not ever own anything else. I have made only a short films for myself to learn with....but I have made slide shows that people envy. I was never good at taking video, so for me, I have more still pictures. I am starting another one for my next daughters graduation. I have so much fun...but do wish I had a video camera when my kids were little to make videos.

You can take classes at the Mac stores to learn how to specifically use your programs in your computer. I would suggest going to the store, they will literally show you with a camera and computer what you can do before you purchase. Good Luck! I know no matter how you make this video, you'll be so proud and thankful to have done it in your father's memory.

First of all, I am so sorry about your dad. Secondly, I hope you are educating yourself and fighting this Auto Immune thing. I have one too and refuse to let it get the best of me. For your answer about the camera, what I would do is find a specialty shop and go in and start asking questions. They are the most educated and you don't necessarily have to buy from them (as they tend to be more exp.) but they can probably answer all your questions and then some. Good Luck and God Bless you! C. M.

I think any camera that can go firewire into (yes) a Mac, you'd be all set. I think that means it's digital. So, digital tape. But you put the raw footage right in the mac and drag and drop clips into your movie window ... adding music (from your Mac on iTunes)after it's layed out. So easy and fun.

You don't have to use a brand new expensive mac. You can get great deals on older used ones that can do all this. I saw one that would work on freecycle last week. A little research into what will work is what's needed. Good luck!

A.,
It sounds to me like you are lying down and giving up. Let me tell you a short story. My Dad died in November of 1986, After 9 months of My sister, brother, mom & myself taking shifts every day as his caretakers. I had 4 children at this time so it was quite a challenge. But I will always cherish that time I had with my Dad. In April of 1987 I came down with an extremly rare auto immune disease (Goodpastures Syndrom) only 3 people were diagnosed with this before me and none survived. But I am here, I had alot of faith, did everything my doctor asked and kept my chin up. I remember my doctor telling me He never had a patient with such a positive attitude. I am 53 now and my children are all beautiful adults living their own lives. They have given me 7 grandchildren and another is arriving in May. Bottom line is there is always hope. NEVER GIVE UP!
As far as the Movie, I did make one CD with music for my sister in law's memorial service and used HP software that was pretty easy to use. It actually came with a printer we had I think you can download it from the site.

Good Luck
O.

Hi A., I'm not a filmmaker but I am an artist and took a few film classes. If you are looking to do this on your computer I have been told that Adobe Premiere is the best consumer level movie editing software out there. It can be quite pricey, especially if you get the pro edition, but it is pretty easy to use and you can get good results with it. If you are more of a mac person there are several programs they sell that are very good for making movies, although I don't know the names offhand.

As for the camera, what is your main motivation for purchasing it? Are you using it to film others talking about your father? Do you plan on using it to film your daughter and other family members? Do you intend to become an amateur/semi-professional filmmaker? These are all questions to keep in mind when shopping for a camera. There are basically two levels that you can shop in - pro and consumer. Most consumer cameras will give you pretty good quality in terms of picture so it is up to your preference. Memory is not that important unless you are interested in purchasing one of those cameras that records directly to a hard drive. With those you want the most memory you can afford. The sound on most consumer models is going to be echo-y and tinny especially indoors (this can sometimes be resolved by filming out of doors on a windless day.) Professional models are going to have a jack for a separate microphone so that you can get better sound but those cameras tend to run over a thousand dollars or so. If you plan on including footage of your father it would be advisable to stick with the tape type that you have footage of him on. If you want to go with some newer formats you can take old tapes of him to most photo processing places and ask them to transfer it to a DVD. Make sure that they code it so you can copy files from the dvd (ie. don't put copy protection - they probably won't do that anyway with home videos but it doesn't hurt to make sure.)

One big source of information is the internet. There is a lot of information out there on using different programs to create films. The software you choose should also have internet support groups and blogs etc. Most of the people on there are pretty helpful. I hope this was at least a little helpful. Best of luck with your project.

Alison please let me just say that I am sorry for your loss. My mother also died very recently of an auto immune disorder that went undiagnosed. She lost her father while she was pregnant with me, and my son is named after him. Do what ever you need to do to deal with your pain and find your peace, but what ever you do, don't pass that pain down to your baby. I carried my mother's pain for so many years and now I know that I have to spare my son from that and protect him from my pain. Make this film about your father and then let your pain go when it is ready to go. You are so young, as was my mother when she suffered her loss, and I just want to send my best wishes for you. Do what you can to heal and to find peace.

When my mother had breast cancer, which she beat only to die of heart disease shortly after, I had all of the family super 8 movies transfered to DVD at a place in Pleasanton called Precious Memories Family Treasures or something like that. The young man who worked there was very patient with me in letting me take my time editing and selecting the right music. I don't know when I'll ever be able to watch them now but I'm glad I had it done, and I'm happy with how it turned out. Seeing my mother pregnant with me, and my grandfather so sick on his last christmas hurt her more than it did me but I was so glad to be able to give her a last look at the man she loved so much.

Don't take on too much. You don't have to be Martin Scorsesse you know. Just do what you need to do. It will get a little better every day. I am not a praying person but I am sending you my best wishes with all my heart.

if you don't want to do this yourself, check out http://www.loopfilms.com/ for assistance.

A. - It's cheaper and much easier to do video rather than film. A good service can transfer home movies (whether on film or videotape) onto a digital file. This file can then be cleaned up, edited, etc. If it's washed out, the contrast can sometimes be bumped up to show detail better; films that have lost red or green pigments can be color-corrected. You can add music, voice-over, captions, subtitles, intertitles, transitions, and even a scene-by-scene menu so that army buddies can look at that part while grandkids can look at wedding pics or whatever.

My husband is an excellent video editor, but would need to rent the transfer equipment if you have movies on 8mm, Super8, or 16mm. He can easily transfer videotape, whether it's VHS or compact. He's also a great cameraman if you want a specific place or event shot.
www.neptunebeachmedia.com
Since you're quite far north of us, you might want to hire a local cameraman to shoot the old homestead or whatever is pertinent to your story.

Condolences on the loss of your dad. I think it's wonderful you want to honor him.
Sincerely,
A.

Please consider receiving a few Quantum Touch sessions for your condition or buying the book and learning how to do this alternative healing modality for yourself. With love anything is possible and you deserve to be the radiant sun of love not only for your family but for yourself. I do long distance healings from Sacramento if you cannot find a practitioner in your area. http://www.quantumtouch.com

Also check out the free manual for another healing modality called Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) at http://www.emofree.com
Love, L.

Contact a local tv station because on occassion they have interns that need projects to do as well as a Public accsess type of channel. Also you might talk to colleges in your area that have film students or videography. Alot of times they will do it for free. You can always make a simple slide show with microsoft powerpoint. Just download your images or scan them into your computer. You can also add mucis with this program. Hope this helps~!

Im sorry to hear about your Dad and you being so sick. I do hope you are better. My advice, or what i'd do, would be to go to the Geek Squad at Best Buy and ask them. Anytime I have a computer question that is that involved I ask them and they have been extremely helpful. Good luck and no matter what it will be awesome!

I'm the subject of a new documentary and had the chance to work with 2 wonderful producers. You can check out their website at www.frankfilms.net and contact them (Sally is a Mom of a 4 year old and Liz has cats & and dog) to see if they have any suggestions. Best wishes!

your hands are full. I will recommend an apple imac, and be sure to sign up for "personal traiing". Next, purchase a HD camera with an HDMI cable. Cannon is a great camera maker. Now here is the best part. By buying an apple you can sign up for personal training so that any apple store will have someone "train you personally" on how to use the programs and how to hook up and back up your data. By purchasing the personal training you can set up at least 1 one hour meeting every single week for a year. For that reason alone, it's well worth it.
Now on your auto immune disease. Please take a look at Mannatech and their product ambratose.
I'm a chiropractor and have a degree in Nutrition and Food Science for the University of California Berkeley. Their "glyconutrients' are good and for many autoimmune problems can be helped, NOT cured, but helped with glyconutients. Anyways, hope that helps.

Dr. David Eade

I like Audacity for audio editing. It's free and it's just as good as Final Cut Pro, and more user friendly. As far as editing film, the only thing I've used is iMovie. Actually, I used another program in school, but I can't remember what it was. It was super easy and really professional. I'm sure it costs a pretty penny though. iMovie is really easy to use, I've never gotten really into it to see how much you can do with it, but it worked for my purposes. That's all the advice I have. :)

A., ok, firstly you should decide whether you want the movie to just be still images set to music as a playback.. like a slideshow.. or whether you have video clips from a video camera that you would like to streamline with music and possible pictures..
Interms of just a slideshow.. most jpeg images will will but you are best with 5 megapixels and up..

Video editing software is complicated in the fact that if you have digital video of what you want to use to make a movie you need to have a software program like apple i movie/dvd or pc, would beI think off the top of my head studio pro.. I can look into it, it's been a while since I have done anything like this..

Let me know exactly what you have to start out and I will see what I can help you with.. D.

Here is a good place to start---

http://www.storycenter.org/index1.html

Hi A., I am very sorry to hear about your Dad. The only thing I can offer you is the way I get tape to DVD quickly and that is this: iMac with a DVD-r burner, Canon digital camcorder zr series is fine with widescreen, iLife 6 (contains download software for your tapes, iPhoto for your pictures, iTunes for the music to add and iDVD to burn your movie onto DVD) not iLife8 because it's too complicated and you won't have time to figure it like me, DV tapes, DVD-rs to record and a firewire cable that you can purchase when you purchase the iMac.
You probably have so many pictures of your Dad, you can also purchase a scanner. I have the Epson V100 Photo. I also have a digital camera, the Canon also because they are so compatible with the Mac. 8 Megapixals is fine and clear.
This is the most easiest and quickest way to tape, scan, edit and burn a movie onto DVD. I have been taping my children's events for over 10 years and editing and burning them onto DVD for 8 years. It is truly the best way to capture everything! The iMac or PowerMac is way easier to use than a PC. I've only heard from one person who actually burned a DVD of a softball game from a PC.
I heard you can also take free lessons at Apple Stores on how to use iLife and get started. It is easy and fast. Please let Apple know you want to work with iLife6 too. I know iLife8 will be on your Mac when you purchase it but they can easily put iLife6 on it for you. Burning is the slowest part of the process. If your movie is an hour, it will take about 3 hours to burn. But during the processes of editing, always remember to SAVE!!
I sure hope this helps!

Hi A., I know what you mean when you have somthing in mind, but sometimes it all seems so overwhelming. I have loved a company called Photomax for the past few years. I am NOT a computer person and I never saw the desire or need to spend gobs on money and times creating something. SO I found this company to help. There's NO software to buy or booklets to read, love it already? Anyways, you can make a "movie magic" video by adding pictures in chronological order, and selecting music. There are certain themes that you can choose from. I have used the baby girl ones, the year in review, the family album one and a few more. I never had to worry about learning how to fade in and out..it did it all for me. Once you have your pictures digitized online and stored (FOR FREE for LIFETIME) you drag and drop them into where you want them and then save. I have made one with my in-laws wedding pictures and all six kids wedidng pictures all on one movie magic DVD, we all cried. It's so easy, you can be done in as little as an hour. I think it's about $50-$60 for the first copy, then about $20 for additional copies. Sorry this is so long, but I wanted to help. Check it out! Here's my link I go through.....http://ericaevans.myphotomaxusa.com
Add pictures into albums and they will be saved and digitized FOREVER....they never delete them! Also, if you ever wanted to purchase prints..their 4x6's are the cheapest around. Take a look! Let me know how things work out. I hope you can do this for you and your family in memory of your dad. I know how it is, mine died a few years ago.

A.,
I'm assuming you intend to make a documentary movie (that would be the easiest/cheapest to accomplish.)
With that in mind, I'm all for following your dream, but making a (good) movie is quite an undertaking. I'm not trying to discourage you, but there's a reason people go to film school. There are people (few and far between) that learn film making from books or through experience, but those people are incredibly dedicated.
Before you go out and spend gobs of $ on a fancy camera and editing equipment, I would ask yourself some basic questions:
1. Why do I want to make a movie (rather than write a book or start a blog or whatever?)
2. Do I have enough time and money to pull this off/ How committed am I?
3. What do I plan to do once the movie is done? Is it for me or do I intend to get distribution?
If you do decide you want to make a movie, PLEASE do not just jump in and start filming - you will be wasting your time.
You are asking about cameras and editing equipment, but that is all secondary to the story and how you plan to convey that. There are plenty of documentary movies that were shot on crappy consumer cameras and put together in people's parent's basements, so don't get hung up on equipment.
Before you do anything, educate yourself about story telling, because that is what film making is all about.
Watch documentary films - as many as you can find. Pick them apart and decide what you like and don't like.
Read, read, read. A good place to start is a book called "Rebel w/out a crew" by Robert Rodreguiez - he's the guy that did the Spy Kids movies and is known for doing everything himself (writing, filming, editing, etc.)
Pick up film making magazines - there are lots of articles on how to make movies yourself.
Then do an outline. Documentaries often don't follow a script, but you should know basically what you hope to convey and how you plan to get there - otherwise you will film and film and it will be really hard to edit later. The biggest problem with making documentaries is losing steam - so having a good plan is essential.
Distribution is a whole other story and will need to be researched thoroughly as well if you plan to do that.
That should help you start. Good luck.

Get yourself a good MAC and the rest will follow. Seriously. I can't tell you how much my artistic life has gotten easier by having a MAC and iLife and iWork 08. And no, I don't work for them...