Video
Uploading videos to the Web is no longer the realm of experts and professionals. Many people can now upload videos directly to the Web from their phone, let alone from video cameras, and there are a range of free editing software packages available on all computing platforms. This page will guide you through the process of editing and uploading video for the Web.
Shooting
This part is really up to you. There are webpages around that will offer some basic advice, such as these:
8 Ways to Shoot Video Like a Pro
Uploading to computer
This step is generally very simple from a portable device. Most connect via a standard cable (such a USB or firewire) directly to a computer. Each device will have its own upload instructions included.
Editing
Once your footage is shot, it will need to be edited. Video editing is now a very simple process. Most editing software is visually based, with a simple drag and drop interface. Editing, splicing, and adding basic effects are now well within the reach of all users.
There are a range of commercially available packages such as Adobe Premiere, but this guide will cover free or online alternatives.
Operating System Offerings
Windows
Windows Movie Maker is a free editing programme available from Microsoft that is available for XP or Vista/Windows 7. Detailed guides for using the software are online:
Windows Movie maker in the Classroom
If you want to produce an animation from a series of still images, Windows XP also offers Photostory:
Photostory 3 for Windows
Apple
Apple computers come bundled with iMovie software, which is a drag and drop movie editor. Tutorial and further information here:
They offer tutorials here:
Online editors
There is also a range of free video editors available online. These sites allow you to work with clips you have already uploaded (see below) to cut them, edit them, add effects, and splice them together.
Jaycut is an in-browser editor that allows you to upload edited videos to Youtube.
Youtube has a video editor built-in that allows you to work with uploaded clips
If you have a Photobucket account, you can use Premiere Express to edit your videos
Downloads
Video editing can be a time and memory intensive process, and it is often easier to complete offline. These sites offer free downloadable programmes if your basic services that came with the computer are not quite up to the task:
Cinefx offer a range of downloadable tools for editing and encoding video.
Wax is a video compositing and special effects package more suited to advanced users wanting to go the extra mile.
Zweistein 4 is a downloadable video editor that has a range of built-in special effects
Picture2avi is a download that allows you to combine still images into a video
Avidemux is a downloadable video editor that is available on multiple platforms.
Uploading
Once your video is edited, it needs to be posted online to be shared effectively.
Youtube
Youtube is the best-known online video hosting service. They have a very robust community of uploaders and commenters:
Uploading videos is a simple process:
Youtube 101: How to Upload
If you do not want your video to be searchable on the main site, you can share it privately:
Youtube 101: Private Sharing
Youtube share their tips on copyright. For more, see our copyright page:
Youtube Copyright Tips
Vimeo
Vimeo is a major alternative to Youtube for video hosting online.
They take you through the upload process:
Upload Tutorial
They have notes online to assist with basic tasks:
Vimeo basics
Schooltube is a moderated video community designed for educational use. All content and comments are checked before being posted. If your school blocks access to Youtube or other video upload sites, Schooltube is an alternative venue to host content online.
The site features a range of resources for teachers.
Edublogs also allows uploading of videos
Lesson ideas
Book trailers
See our dedicated page for more on these.
Dramatisations
Students can recreate scenes from the books they have read and share them online. These can be as simple or as elaborate as time and resources permit.
Video reviews
Students can capture reviews in video format, or add features like cover images and interviews. Why not put together a whole show, like Margaret and David?
Ten reviews in four minutes from nerdfighter Hank Green
Inspirations
A video could cover anything related to the book. Here are some possibilities:
Movie casting ideas for novels – perennial fan conversation topic - are a huge growth industry on Youtube
Fan videos:
These can be still images, images of fan art, or creatively edited clips from movies, generally set to music. Some fans go to huge lengths selecting scenes and music to capture a moment or a mood.
The Story of Beren and Luthien from the Silmarillion (part one of nine)
