#18 Some comments on Chroma Key by Walt Barrett

    I have just received a question about Chroma Key. The question was basically should a beginner try to use Chroma Key ( Green or Blue screen) back screens to allow photo or video back grounds sets to be used in a video.  The practice allows you to save a fortune in film sets.
The short answer is yes, I taught myself in my spare time, and so can you.
    This is the answer I sent my friend from Facebook.


 I like green screening.  I am about to buy a new portable setup that includes lighting.  All it takes is a little practice. I have one setup already. There are lots of excellent tutorials on you tube.  If I were you I would do it.  you need a smooth evenly lit green screen with no wrinkles on it.  Good lighting is the key to good green screening.  I intend to build a studio and do an entire wall so we can do commercials and rock groups, hip hop , etc.  We will have the green paint mixed to the right color and make a smoother seem less wall that we can paint. Don't forget, you need the software too.  I have it in my Pinnacle software. You can make money with a studio as long as you build it yourself and do not go overboard with the costs. 


   If you want to produce a neat little series this is a great way to go.  I suggest that you put together a tight little film group in your area and pool all the knowledge and talents in order to put together some well written and planned productions.  Do as much as you can on chroma key.  You can photograph the interiors of buildings and rooms that you want to use and the just drop them into your background using the Chroma Key software


I will be making more comments on this subject in the future.


 This video below is done using Chroma Key. 
 This simple commercial has sold thousands of these flasher units.  

#17 Making the Jamestown video by Walt Barrett

     This was a fairly simple video to make.  Yesterday Nancy and I drove over the Jamestown Bridge to Jamestown Island.  It's a beautiful quiet Island in the middle of Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island.  We walked and drove all over the island and I snapped some decent quality digital still shots of everything in site.  When we got home I loaded all the shots into Windows Live Photo Gallery and used the built in software found under the heading of Fix to color correct and straighten out all the photos.  This soft ware is free with windows 7 or you can download it FREE off the web site www.microsoft.com .  It's part of the free windows live collection.
This software also allows to digitally manipulate your photos by over tinting and plating with the contrast control.  I would encourage to to experiment with all of the settings for color correcting and editing photos.  Some people prefer to look at altered versions of a land scape or a Sunset etc. Then I used the video editing software and dropped in a suitable piece of music.  My Pinnacle software allows me to fit a score to the exact length of the video.  I then saved the file with a 1080i format.  If you need any help or technical advice about your photography or video just drop me a comment or an email at: wbarrett1@aol.com   I'll get to you as quickly as I can.
Thanks,
Walt
This video plays great at full screen.

Fall Foliage by Walt Barrett

Today we went to to East Killingly, Connecticut and filmed along the banks of the Five Mile River.  The foliage is not as good this year as it was last year.

#15 Grabbing still frames from video by Walt Barrett

   I have received a very good question from one of our members.  

He asked me how to make an album of still photos shots from a video file.  The answer is yes you can do it, but you need to use a special piece of software that allows you to do that.  It's called frame grabbing software.  I do it with my pinnacle software, but there are many free downloads available under free frame grabbing soft ware. 

 Try this http://www.sharewareconnection.com/titles/frame-grabber.htm

    

Before you ever buy any kind of software, be sure to look for the free stuff, and don't forget to check The free software foundation   It's a gold mine.  Their free open office program can save you $700.00!!!
They also offer several free Linux operating systems.  Maybe you have a spare computer like I do, and want to learn about Linux.  It's a great operating system with lots of free video stuff too.
   Please pass this valuable info forward to your friends
Thanks,
Walt


Click to enlarge

# 14 Why I work with slides a lot in my videos by Walt Barrett

   I like to work with stills in my videos for several reasons.  
1. They are usually much clearer than video.
2. They are faster to color correct and manipulate digitally.
3.  They take up less space on the video server because they are not moving, cut down on the pixel count, and are only one frame that you can easily lengthen, or shorten on the film piece.  This is usually done by dragging the frame longer, or shorter in the editing line.  That way you can control the slide duration time without effecting the length of the other scenes. It is also very handy for syncing in voice overs too so they will match up with and last for the particular frame.
4.  Stills are very useful for commercials and also for scenic videos with no motion required in the scene.
They can also save you a lot of time.  I use them a lot.
Walt
          Click photo to enlarge

# 12 The Antique Shingle Making Machine by Walt Barrett

     I Shot this little piece yesterday while visiting Water's Farm in Sutton, Massachusetts.   I didn't want to drag out my video camera so I used my Fuji 620 S digital reflex still camera and selected the video option.
The quality is nowhere near that of my 3 chip Panasonic video camera, but it gets the job done.
 1.This morning I loaded the video from the camera into my "video file" In my computer, 
 2. And then into my Pinnacle video editor.  I then trimmed the ends a bit, and linked it all together on the video editor.  It was just under two minutes and ran cleanly.  
3.The next thing was to use the voice over part of Pinnacle and record a voice track.   
   The next thing was to save all my work by making a mpeg4 video.
   You can use the same editor as me by downloading the Pinnacle 14 trial program.
  Please make comments or ask questions on the blog page.
Thanks,
Walt
   

#11 A Fall Film for you and Checking the blog page comments by Walt Barrett

First of all, I found one comment that had been grabbed by Google's auto spam filter and I am not happy about that so I will be checking every morning to see that it does not happen again.  Secondly, there are some questions and answers in the comments found under each blog.  They are responses to questions that I have received.  They may be of some help to you.

Waters Farm

   Yesterday I shot a little film at the Historic Waters Farm open house in Sutton Massachusetts.  Ms. Waters was a 19th century writer and we visit her place often. Waters Farm link
It is a very simple edit, and I did it on Pinnacle Ultimate 14.  I added in the music from the Score Fitter section of the program.  I use it a lot, and like it very much.  I try to make the music fit the theme of the video.  It is very easy to go back in and drop in a voice over track.  There is a 30 day trial download of this software.  BTW, I do not sell for Pinnacle.  I just like their software and have used it for many years.
Enjoy the Antique, and Historic Waters Farm.
Walt

# 8 Looking for some input by Walt Barrett

Yesterday's Blog covered a lot of territory on the editing program.  I expect it to take you some time and do not want to move too fast.
I need some feedback, questions, complaints, or comments to gauge how we are doing.  At this point I'm not sure if anyone is following the blog, and I have precious little time to waste.  I'm slowing down the pace until I get some feedback on where we are progress wise.

   Here is a beginners tip.  When making photos, always keep the sun at your back, turn on your flash for fill in to prevent shading on the subjects face, and always keep your shadow out of the photo.
Thanks,
Walt

#7 We are going to talk about a short film I made yesterday by Walt Barrett

    I have reviewed and responded to all of the comments this morning.  I am very pleased to report that our membership is growing.
 Welcome to the new members. 
 I advise new members to use the index in the right margin, and obviously begin at the beginning.  Editing is difficult to learn until you learn all the tools that are available. Then it all falls into place and you will be surprised at how quickly you can put a piece together. I have chosen a free program, Video Spin, that is not too difficult and will lead you into a more professional version of the  Pinnacle Video Editor.  That is my plan.
 Well I had to spend yesterday producing the video above for a local political candidate.  This morning I'm thinking that I will take you through my process step by step.
1. The first thing I did was to write a script for our professional voice over performer,  Mr. Doug Warner www.undercovervoices.com  .  If anyone wants a copy of the script let me know.
2. Doug did a read through of the script and determined it was about a two minute read.
3. In the meantime I was mentally piecing a slide show of the town together.  I knew what I wanted to show in the video.
4. Then I had my wife Nancy drive me around town in a prescribed route while I made the various shots.
5. Next I made an appointment to photograph Mary Ann and part of her staff at her place of business.
6. I loaded all the photos into the computer to a folder for "maryann"
7.  I opened up the folder in Windows Live Photo Gallery   A free program from Windows Live, and I used the command FIX   You do that to each photo in the file folder, getting rid of any junk shots and color correcting and squaring up the rest.  We all have our share of junk shots.  It's a super free program.  I don't care for their video editing program though.  They had better in the XP version as far as I am concerned.  I prefer Pinnacle anyway.
8 In the meantime, Doug Warner had burned us a great voice over track and sent it on to me.
9. Now we basically have all the ingredients for our video.
10. Open up the Video Spin editor and load in the photo file for the video.
11. Mentally think of the order that you would like the slides to appear in the video.  They should run close to the order that you would like the to match with the voice over.  Just drag each slide down on to the video track 
12. Using the editor, find the voice file and load it into the program.  Then bring it up and drag it down to the voice track.  All video editors have a lot of similar drag and drop features.
You drop in your music track the same way.
13.  Play the video and listen to the voice track.
It may take several times.  You are looking to see if each scene, or slide matches up nicely with the comments on the voice track.
14.  You can move the slides around to their proper locations by dragging and dropping them if you are not happy with their order.  They should match the voice track.
15. I like my slides to change every five seconds, but you can follow the software instructions to change the slide duration time.
   Pinnacle has a 30 day free trial Version 14 of the full fledged editing program if you think you are advanced enough to use it.  Watch the tutorial, it's a gold mine of information.  This is the program I use.
http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/us/Products/Consumer+Products/Home+Video/Studio+Family/Pinnacle+Studio+Ultimate+version+14+Trial?intcmpid=studio14trial
   Now, the above is basically a simplified explanation of how to edit a slide show movie.  There are simple programs that easily make slide shows, but with most of them you have problems like changing the order of the slides, and dropping in voice overs, and music etc.  There are two kinds of video, home brew, and professional.  Always strive to to your very best. 
   This is a fairly involved lesson so I expect that if you will use the comment boxes to ask questions or complain, or something.
    As usual, I can send you the slides and the voice track files if you care to print out the page and follow my instructions.  You might even point out a problem.  I'm doing the best I can for you but, I am extremely busy making films.
Now let's do this together.
Walt

#6 Video Spin Free Editing Software From Pinnacle Video by Walt Barrett

    I have chosen the free down load program "Video Spin" for now to get you all started learning slide, voice track, and video editing.  I chose it because  I use the full blown pro edition to make all my movies with, and it makes it much easier for me to assist you to learn.  With the program you can add or remove video scenes or slides and you can record sound tracks or movies, drop them into the editor and drag them wherever you need them.  
At this point I need you to get the free program and play with it.  You need to push all the buttons,  and read what each button is for.  Drop in some video, or slides and drop in any music, or voice file that you may have.  If you don't have any I will send them to you free.  Just email me.  There are also a lot of free Midi music downloads on line.  They are good to practice with. Just don't violate any copyright laws with them.
   Now, I need you to do this so that I can write a piece or pieces  for the blog that will speed up your progress by explaining what to do to solve your problems.  Believe me,  I found editing programs difficult when I first started, but I just had to learn how to edit, or give up the film business.  I don't care if you only want to be an actor.  It is very important to be familiar with every aspect of the business. So if you are to learn I need you to do what I have asked, and then I need your feed back in order to move forward and leave no one behind.  The way you edit a film can make it or break it!
Send to me for slides, sound files or video files if you need them.
Please do this for me as soon as possible.  It will make things go a lot smoother for all of us.  I need your feed back to help you all.
Thanks,
Walt

#5 About Filming A Movie by Walt Barrett

   Did you ever go to a video site like you tube, or some other copy cat site and you find a video that sounds really interesting?  Maybe it's a DIY movie where you can learn how to build you own perpetual motion machine, or make you own hydrogen bomb, you know, that everyday kind of stuff that you find on video sites.  Well anyway, you click on the video, it's hand held, and all over the place!  Next thing you notice is that the camera is way to close to the subject matter, out of focus, and by now, your eyes are spinning in opposite directions.  Then you realize that it is either silent with some one pointing a finger while holding the camera with the other hane and expecting you to read their mind.   By this time you are thinking "What the hell did I ever click on this for!"
This may sound stupid and silly, but it happens thousands of times a day on the Internet.  Well we are going to put a stop to all of that.
  If you are shooting a video, use a tripod.  A beginner does not need a $2,000.00 tripod either.  I needed a very light weight tripod for filming in the Everglades and bought one made by Sunpak for around $40.00.
Would I shoot a Hollywood epic with it, No, but it is good enough to just plop down, and film an alligator right in front of you when you just might have a slight tendency to shake a bit.  Another reason, especially when you are just on the sunny side of eighty, is that a $40.00 aluminum tripod tends to be very light, and if you are slogging five miles through a swamp shooting video, that's a good thing!  So, I use a 1.6 pound Panasonic 3 chip camera, and a 2 pound Sunpak tripod in the field.   Total investment under $600.00.
   The point of this exercise is I want rock solid video.  I want sharp video in focus, and I don't want some rock and roll camera man running around waving the camera all over the place!  That may fly with Music TV, but not in my shop.
   Next, do not film anyone in front of a window in broad daylight unless they are bone ugly, and you are trying to hide their face, or the entire front of them for that matter.  It's called back lighting.  The news media does it a lot on purpose to conceal a person's identity on TV.
   Next, silent films went out with "The Mark of Zorro".  Let's face it, in today's world sound is just as important, or maybe more important as an integral part of your film.  A nice clean track, without a lot of garbage in the background, puts your video way ahead of of the sloppy tracks guys with all the noise in the back ground.  
  You will be learning how to lay down voice over, and music tracks in this blog too.  They are extremely important.
   One more thing before I wrap this one up.  If you already own a camera and a tripod I want you to interview someone you know in a quiet relaxed atmosphere.  Set up the camera so it is even with their face, in focus and locked in place four to five feet away.  Check your viewer for the best setup. Stay in focus. Try to do four minutes and ask some pertinent questions like "What do you think of the economy?"  If they are elderly, ask them what they can tell you a story about World War Two, like "Where were you when it started?  or anything to break the ice.  I always turn on the camera ahead, and just casually shoot the breeze with them. Get teem to relax. Otherwise, they can freeze on you, and who knows, you just might discover the next Grandma Moses!  Old people usually like to talk about the "Good old days",  I know, I'm old!
   What we discussed today is extremely important, and while you are at it, learn every control on your camera, and don't go zoom crazy either.   Now that you are a camera expert, we will talk more about editing next time.   Basically, if you follow the directions in this particular segment, you will be very good with a camera.
   If you buy a video camera here are a few tips.
1. Get one that has a manual focusing ring and not a joystick to focus.  This is definitely needed - a must.
2. It should have a microphone plug.  A must have for me because I use wireless mikes and need that plug for sure.  
3. It has to be digital.
4. A 3 CCD camera is much better, but more expensive.  It is not totally necessary.
5. Consider used from a reputable supplier.
6. Try to find a camera. with a macro lens on it.
     I am going to find a better free editing program that has a better sound editor that includes adding voice over and music editing.  In the meantime learn everything you can from the current material I have given you.
    Look for free royalty free music tracks on line.
Later,
Walt

#4 Pinnacle Video Spin by Walt Barrett

I downloaded Video Spin so that if anyone had questions it would be simple for me to help them.  I think you will like it.  It is a slimmed down version of their best editing program, and truthfully, designed to eventually hook you to upgrade, but I think it's a great deal, and eventually you will want to upgrade anyway if you turn out to be an editor.  
    This is going to be a short overview because I have to leave shortly for the rest of the day on business, but we are going to revisit this often I'm sure.
   Lets assume for know that you have downloaded, opened up the program, read the short tutorial and are ready to make your first movie which should be a slide show to get you familiar with the controls etc.
   Make sure you click on box 1 Edit near the upper left hand corner of the program screen.  Then go to file, click on new project, and open up a picture file folder and open it to the editor.  Once you master that, you can drag and drop the photos down to editing track in the order that you want them.  Just play with that for tonight and see if you can follow me so far, and tell me if you can't by commenting, and I will help you.  After that, play with all the buttons in the editor and learn what they are there for.  If you can do what I have just told you, you have made excellent progress in the right direction.  If not, keep punching away at it.  You can't hurt anything. See how far you can go.  Don't forget that there is a help button on the top left of the program.  Please get used to using it.  That's enough for now.  Please comment as to what you think so far.  I need the feed back to judge my method and progress.
Got to run for now.
Thanks,
Walt

# 3 Free Editing Program From Pinnacle/Avid from Walt Barrett

   I have been using the advanced editing software from Pinnacle/Avid for many years.  The version I use is kind of advanced for a beginner, but they are also offing a free, and more simple editing program that you can down load at http://www.videospin.com/Redesign/ .  If you ever decide to upgrade to the more professional version, be patient, they offer great sale prices frequently. Remember, Video Spin is free with a $15.00  upgrade for MPEG format features if you ever want them.  I suggest you just try it first.  Who knows, you may not like it.    I have been having very good luck with MPEG 4 on You Tube and Facebook.  I like the quality, but if you are a raw beginner, don't sweat it for now.   I can help you the most with Pinnacle editing because  I am constantly making videos, like several a week, and I have the most experience with it.  So, I think you should try this free program  unless you have your own editor already that you prefer.
   We have to move on with this course now.  If you need some free video files just write to me and I will send you some free files to work with.  That way you don't need a camera for now.   You will now need an editor though, to continue. 
If you have any questions now is the time to start using the comment box.
  Write to wbarrett1@aol.com for free video files.
   Please also register by going to the follow button on the blog because if no one registers than I am not going to waste my valuable time doing this.  So down load the editor, and send for some free video files if you need them, and lets get started making movies.  
Set up the Pinnacle Spin free editor, read all the instructions, and don't be afraid to explore by pushing all the buttons, and getting familiar with why they are there.  If your eyes glaze over like mine did when I was a beginner, take a break and go back at the editor later, but remember, editing is one of the main keys to proper film making.   I almost lost my mind in the beginning, but I stuck with it! It was very difficult for me, but I kept punching, and now it's easy.  You have to pay your dues, so to speak, lol!
I need your comments and questions please.
Thanks,
Walt
   


   

# 2 Free Photos For Blog Members To Work With From Walt Barrett

Entry # 2
 If any one of you does not have a camera, or photos to work with please contact me and I will supply you with free photos to study with.  You should join Picasa so I can send you the free photos.  Picasa is a free service of Google.  

   You can edit photos and make videos free with Picasa.  

Get the free program download here. http://picasa.google.com/  It's a great program!  Picasa also give you free storage and is very user friendly.

   Windows operating systems have free video editing programs included in them for simple video editing.  Just do a program search.  If you have a problem with editing video on windows 7 please contact me.

    You can use windows live photo gallery to correct or enhance your slides.  Use the Fix command and don't be afraid to experiment.  Be sure to save experimental photos under a different name so you won't ruin the originals.  If you ever do that, just ask me for more.

Next, you can use the Make command to make a slide show movie.

You have to do it to learn.  

   You can make money with this knowledge very early in the game.  You can do slide show tributes for bereaved families as an example.  You can also learn to do slide show, or live video for Internet commercials.

  Usually, there is work to be had for a good video editor and believe me, it's not rocket science, but it pays well.

   Now try to get set up with the materials that we have discussed and comment back to me so we can get started with your new hobby or career.

Thanks,

Walt

   

#1 Welcome to my Blog and what equipment is suggested to participate by Walt Barrett

Entry # 1  If you are new, please follow these entries in order or you will not be able to follow the program.  The course is 100% free
Welcome to my new Blog.  I started by making photos in 1940 and never looked back.  It's a great way to to get away from it all, and let off a little steam.  If you want to learn how to make and edit videos, then this is a good place to start.   I'm making it very low budget and with what you learn here you will be well on your way to making a living in the movie business.  I believe that whatever ever your reasons are you will benefit from this blog.  I certainly hope so.  Now let's get down to business.
   You will need an inexpensive digital camera, new or used. Either video, or still type.  It does not matter as you can make some really neat video slide shows with sound like music and voice over with a digital still camera.  For video, you really should have a tripod. It does not have to be expensive at this point.  No one likes shaky video and for me, it's a total turn off.  A microphone for voice overs is also necessary.  I'm going to recommend a free editing program download in a day or two, but for now, Picasa and Windows live Photo Gallery both make excellent slide show videos and music can be added.   Please feel free to comment about any good free editor for beginners.
  Remember, your camera must be digital.  We are going to start off with very basic information.  So if you are advanced you may want to help me by contributing your comments.  We can all benefit from that.  I do not claim to know all the answers, and there are a lot of younger people out there that can run circles around me, but they are not writing a blog to teach raw beginners.  Please be patient with me as I also have to run a bunch of companies on a daily basis.  You comments and questions will help to hold interest in our Blog.  Please click on FOLLOW in the right margin if you intend to follow our Blog.  
   One more thing, very honestly, your comments show your interest in the Blog.  If we do not get any comments or questions there is no point in doing the blog.
There is a lot more coming, believe me.
Thanks,
Walt