How to make a video?

Question

So I'm an eighth grader and for a project, a partner and I are going to make a video using a Sony camcorder. Problem is, we don't know how to put subtitles at the bottom [we'll be speaking in Japanese...] or somehow burn them on to a DVD so that we can play it in class. Any suggestions for programs and such?

Answer 1

Video  editing  process…        

for starters, free Windows Movie Maker* (XP-wmm2 & Vista-wmm6) provides a simple & easy way to learn the ropes <click help for details>. Upgrade to other video editing app [ http://video-editing-software-review.top...  ] accdg. to need & skill level.

**If format not supported, convert video files to avi or wmv (Google & dwnload video converter- Prism or Super, Kate’s, etc.)... Open converter,  Add files, Convert, Save

Other options to upload vcam files via file mgmt- windows explorer-> Hdd (USB connect vcam to pc); DvD (pc drive); Flash Memory (card reader)

Important: ALWAYS save PROJECT file .mswmm (work-in-progress) at any point & open to resume editing unfinished project or to re-edit finished project

Steps:

CAPTURE VIDEO:  video stream from tape-based Vcam

-  Connect miniDV or digi-8 vcam to pc via FIREWIRE cable (4 or 6 pin)

=> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewire    

-  Set vcam mode to playback, set for capture, pause

-  Open wmm & set to TASK pane

-  Click Capture from video device; wmm  controls vcam operations- on play, video stream is captured to wmm/COLLECTION

IMPORT FILES:  from pc folder

-  Import video files**  

-  Import other files: pics, music, narration

EDIT MOVIE:  create Project- movie  

-  Drag&drop video files from collection to TIMELINE chart at the desired sequence

-  Enhance video: drag&drop music, effects, transition, filters

- Create titles (beg), sub-titles (usually before or on selected clip) & credits at the end... select how the words wud appear thru animation

===>re-edit as you wish

FINISH MOVIE: render movie  

- Render/Save movie to pc &/or share- CD

SHARE:  

- Burn to DVD***   (wmm only burns CD)

   *** Most video editing app include DVD authoring, otherwise, use DVD authoring programs, e.g.,  DVD Flick, Nero, etc

Vista/wmm6 has same basics - Import/ Edit/ Publish/ WindowsDVD or Nero for authoring

If u encounter any roadblock, consult,  just click link:

http://www.papajohn.org/        

Also our sincere thanks to papaJohn