I was recently asked how I created my YouTube videos ... and this gave me pause for thought as the process began somewhat haphazardly and it is only recently that I've begun to play around with using video clips that I have filmed and proper video editing software.
Firstly, I need to explain that to date only my shorts - which were filmed on my iPhone - show me as a talking head. Now, I know that quite a few wargame videos feature people talking directly to camera ... but frankly, the thought of my ugly mug appearing on screen in my videos was not something that I wanted to inflict on potential channel subscribers. I look at myself in the mirror every morning ... and its not a pretty sight, especially as my father seems to be staring back at me when I do!
So, from early on, I looked around for a simple method that even someone as unskilled as me could use ... and I ended up starting out with a program that I have been using for years, Microsoft's PowerPoint. Most of my early videos were produced using this program, and it still is my 'go to' for certain things like intros and outros.
More recently, I've begun to use my iPhone and bridge camera to record video in MP4 format and then using video editing software to create videos. I am still learning how to use this program, but once I had begun to understand its basics, the time it has taken me to make a video has become much shorter.
It is therefore my intention to write a couple of blog posts that explain how I have produced my videos, and I hope that it will encourage some of my regular blog readers to try their hand at doing this as well.
That sounds like a useful post as there seem to be more and more bloggers becoming vloggers.
ReplyDeleteMaudlin Jack Tar,
DeleteI’m glad that you think it’s useful. There are certainly some topics that are better covered by video.
All the best,
Bob
This is very interesting. I don't know that much about creating videos so it's useful to learn by others. I have a YouTube Channel as well, but didn't actually intend to create one. I found it was easier to to upload video clips to my blog thru YouTube, so after a while I had collected several videos on that channel. I use my Android phone for all filming and editing, so I'm using a free app named Kinemaster editing.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/@rogerhalvorsen2599
Roger,
DeleteThe next blog post I have written about making YouTube videos might be of interest to you as it explains how I use video clips etc. to make videos.
All the best,
Bob
No vlogging for me. I have a face for radio and a voice for mime. Ha!
ReplyDeleteBut it is true that video is a better medium for some things, by those who inclined to produce it.
Fitz-Badger,
DeleteIt’s one of the reasons why I don’t do ‘talking heads’ videos! Who wants to see my ugly mug?
All the best,
Bob
Hi Bob,
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant idea for a blog series! Using PowerPoint for intros, outros, and early videos is a proper stroke of genius—it just goes to show you don't need overly complex tools to get great content out there. Looking forward to reading your insights on how you transitioned to video editing software!
All the best, Andy
Andrew Bruce (Andy),
DeleteI’m a great believer in using the simplest methods to achieve the best results … and using PowerPoint - something I was experienced in using - made for an excellent starting point. From there I’ve moved on to video editing software, but still use PowerPoint if it’s more appropriate.
All the best,
Bob
Spot on! Using what you already know is half the battle, and choosing the tool that gets the job done with the least fuss is always the winning play. If PowerPoint still works best for certain bits, there’s no reason to ditch it completely. I'll certainly be keeping an eye out for the next post in the series!
DeleteAll the best, Andy
Andrew Bruce (Andy),
DeleteI had to learn how to use PowerPoint when I was in education … and that’s where I realised how few of my colleagues were using it to anything like its full potential. I used it to create self-supporting learning as well as for presentations.
All the best,
Bob
That makes total sense! It’s amazing how much mileage you can get out of a familiar tool when you push past the basics—and coming from an educational background must have given you a great perspective on structured presentation. It really shows in how clearly you break things down on the blog!
DeleteAll the best, Andy
Hi Bob, sounds interesting. I'l learning to use CapCut editing software at the moment and enjoying it - always good for us old chaps to learn new things! Once you get your head around the concept of Layering it all begins to make sense :)
ReplyDeleteLee.
‘Lee,
DeleteGood luck with learning how to use your video editing software. It does us the world of good to learn new skills later in life and it helps stop the brain atrophying!
All the best,
Bob