Hi Hannah
As Peter kindly mentioned, I run training and activities on this sort of thing. There are some observations at:
www.ict4learning.net/onlineguide/video.htm
The equipment recommendations are a bit out of date as this was written a few years ago but the principles are still valid. Solid state (no tape or DVD) video cameras are probably best now and not much more expensive. The equipment suggestions you have below are fine (the first one is great for children and SEN to hold easily) but see below for things to consider:
A key issue is to decide on the balance between production values and degree of participant freedom. If you want to end up with at least some materials with production values good enough to disseminate via CD or website, it is worth coming up with a few constraints on what you ask them to do. Or just reckon that you will produce the materials for dissemination separately. The quality of video depends on lots of things including lighting and - an obvious point but often missed - how still the camera is held, and how well framed, etc.
One of the most common disappointments for people trying this sort of project is the poor quality of the audio when listening to it played back from a CD in a quiet room (or ideally using headphones). You really need a separate microphone to get decent dialogue. If you plan to just make a silent movie or add music, then this is not a problem.
On software, a key limitation of most cheap and easy to use software (including Windows Movie Maker, of which the main advantage is that it is free) is that you cannot do 'cut-aways'. This is where you have someone talking about an object, for example, and when you edit the footage you want to add in a close up of whatever they are talking about, while their audio continues. Typically you would then cut back to the person speaking before that clip ends.
Hope some of this is useful - good luck with it Hannah!
I am always happy to talk issues like this through with anyone who is thinking of this or similar projects, such as stop-frame animation ('Wallace and Gromit' style) etc.
Best
Martin
----------------------------------------------------
Martin Bazley
Online experience consultant
Martin Bazley & Associates
15 Margin Drive
Wimbledon
SW19 5HA
0780 3580 727
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www.martinbazley.com
-----Original Message-----
From: List for discussion of issues in museum education in the UK. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Hannah Ellams
Sent: 28 August 2009 11:51
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Movie making part two...
Hi all
Thanks for all your info and replies so far. GEM is just a great network!
On a special needs site I was given called 'inclusive technology' I found a
movie creator 2 and 3 for £99.00 and a TUff Cam which both say includes free
editing software.
Any one used either before? Sounds too good to be true!
Info is below for both incase anyone else interested.
Thanks once again,
Hannah Ellams
Cotswold Motoring Museum
01451 821255
Movie Creator:
www.inclusive.co.uk/catalogue/acatalog/digital_movie_creator_3.html
Als on the TTS website
Digital Movie Creator 3. Make your very own movie, where you can be a star!
Shoot anywhere and then edit full length movies on your PC. Software lets
you change scenes, add animation, create stop-motion movies, add music,
sound effects, and even titles. Features: Resolution 640 X 480, 32MB memory
with expandable memory slot, built in microphone, animation, Video, Audio
Editing Add Text, Credits Select Music Tracks, E-mail and Playback Tools, 1.5
TFT LCD Screen, Over 2 hours recording time with 1 GB SD Memory Card.
Then the TUFF cam:
www.tts-group.co.uk/Product.aspx?cref=TTSPR826817
Software Supplied
Ulead Photo Explorer 8 (Windows Only)
Trim, cut and join videos
Create animations
Make slide shows with variable transitions
Organise and view stills and videos
Export slide shows as video files
Convert video file formats
Drivers for PC and Mac
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