TeenFlix Film Contest

Watch the Winner of the 9th through 12th Grade contest here!

Ben and friends crafted the highly entertaining short film, The Walker, which won the High School contest.  Great job!  Watch here:

Even their bloopers are great:

Watch the Winner for the 6th through 8th grade contest here!

Kaylie and her crew of actors created a modern masterpiece with Pie Kids.  Nice work!  Watch it here:

Digital Videomaking

If you're having trouble using your digital video recorder, see if these tutorials can point you in the right direction:

http://www.dv.com/

http://www.umw.edu/training/inte/multimedia/video/tutorial/index.htm

http://www.izzyvideo.com/

Here are some tips for Recording to a DVD:

What you need:

A DVD burner. Look for one that says DVD-R or DVD+R in the tech specs.

Blank DVD's. Make sure that your blank DVD's are compatible with your DVD burner. Here are some tips:                                                                                            

• DVD-R's can be recorded on once.
• DVD-RW's can be recorded on, erased, and recorded on again.
• DVD-RAM's can be recorded on, erased and recorded on again, but can only be played on DVD-RAM drives, which means they won't play on most DVD players.
• If you have a DVD-R drive, you must use DVD-R blank discs. Likewise, if you have a DVD+R drive, you must use DVD+R blank discs. Either type can be played in most DVD-ROM drives and DVD players.
• Some newer "dual-format" drives will accommodate both DVD-R and DVD+R discs.

DVD Recording Software:

If you are using Windows Movie Maker 2 you will need to have separate DVD burning software installed on your computer. The good news is that if your computer came with a DVD burned, it almost certainly came with the software needed to use it. If your computer is running the Windows Vista Home Premium or Vista Ultimate operating system, then your version of Windows Movie Maker also includes Windows DVD Maker.

Question: But what if I don't have a DVD burner on my computer??? Can I still make a DVD?

Yes and no. If you have a CD burner you can make either a VCD (video CD) or an SVCD (super video CD). These are not the same quality as a DVD, and may not play on all DVD players.

Source: Digital Video for Dummies.

http://desktopvideo.about.com/

http://www.videohelp.com/

Sound and Lighting

To create your own Sound effects, here are some suggestions:

Some sound effects might be included with your editing software.

·      Buzzing insect: Wrap wax paper around a comb, touch your lips lightly to the paper and hum so that the paper makes a buzzing noise.

·      Fire: Crumple cellophane or wax paper, it will sound like crackling fire.

·      Footsteps: Tap the heels, then the toes of two shoes together.

·      Gravel or snow: Walk on cat litter.

·      Kiss: Give your forearm a big smooch!

·      Punch: Punch a raw piece of steak or chicken.

·      Thunder: Shake a large piece of sheet metal.

From Digital Video for Dummies.

Here is a site with some ideas for LIGHTING.

Check this out before you get started on your script!

Writing your script

Check out these links with helpful writing tips:

http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Script

http://www.filmmaking.com/howtowrite.html

http://www.aaronshep.com/youngauthor/elements.html

Once you have your script mastered, you should start to think about how you will film it. There are several different Production Styles to choose from that will influence your final picture.

Documentary:  Real-life events. Like reality TV. Can be news-like in nature.

• Concept
• Outline
• Plan
• Shoot
• Edit and script

Television Style: Shot from several angles, sometimes using multiple cameras.

• Concept
• Planning
• Scouting Location
• Setup
• Shooting
• Editing

Feature Style:  All scenes are staged. Opposite of documentary style.

• Concept
• Script
• Plan
• Shoot
• Edit

Experimental Style:  Anything that falls outside of the defined styles.

from Microsoft Windows Movie Maker Handbook.

Here are some more things to think about....

What prompted you to make this movie? (WHY?)

Who will watch this movie? (WHO is your audience?)

What do you want the movie to do? or to say? (MESSAGE?)

What will you shoot?

from Microsoft Windows Movie Maker Handbook by Bill Birney, Matt Lichtenberg, and Seth McEvoy.

If you need some inspiration, take a look at this great resource on films.

Check out this 10 Minute Film School site!

Advance Planning Checklist:

1. Make a checklist of shots you will need for your film.
2. Check out your shooting location in advance.
3. Make sure you have permission to shoot the locations and people that will appear in your film.
4. Decide what time of day you will want to shoot. Lighting can vary greatly from morning to afternoon.
5. Make sure you have more than enough tapes, batteries, etc. to film your scenes.
6. What will your cast wear? Avoid thin stripes and bright reds and blues.

from Digitial Video for Dummies by Keith Underdahl.

AND ACTION!!

                

Do you love movies and want to create your own?  Do you have a comedy you want to direct starring your strange uncle?  Or are you itching to make a documentary on a current issue?  How about an action/adventure film with one of your best friends as the villain?  If you're a student in grades 6-8 or 9-12 you are welcome to enter the Barrington Area Library's TeenFlix Film Contest!  All filmmakers must have their films submitted to the Barrington Area Library by August 1 to be considered by our panel of judges.  Entries may be from individuals or a group of students. The top films will be shown on the big screen at the Barrington Area Library on

Friday, August 22 at 3 p.m.  Prizes and gift cards to the winners!!!

    Click HERE to view the rules and print out a registration form.