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How to Prepare to Make Videos for Upload/Home (Buy Gear)

Step 1:
Making a video requires the aquisition of gear. You first need a video camera. Getting a digital video camera is best--or if you have an analog camera get a PC to TV card or USB upload cable to be able to upload and edit on your computer. You can also use a webcam with a microphone--make sure it is of good quality--or even a camera without out a microphone if you think you can add audio later. I recommend the digital video camera as it provides the least complications.

Step 2:
Select the camera that best fits your needs. I have several cameras--all of them being under $100 to buy. I have a camera from Digital Concepts that is under $60 in price. It would suit the purpose as long as you are not looking for movie theater quality. You would need great lighting indoors but takes clear pictures outdoors. The next model is the DXG 506v which is about $90 at Walmart. It is better quality but still needs good lighting indoors. Another suggestion is the RCA Small Wonder which is about $95.00 from Amazon.com. This is a low level light camera which functions wonderfully with indoor lighting. Before buying though, try the camera out, get advice from friends or at least read reviews of the product. Make sure you are getting exactly what you want in a camera.

Step 3:
You might want to get a tripod for the camera if you don't have someone to operate the camera for you and you don't want to hold it yourself. The best sized tripod is a telescoping one that comes to at least waist high--this way more of the body can be shown, especially for dancing videos and such that require full length shots. If the camera you chose doesn't have a hole for the screw on the tripod, industrial strength velcro can be used to attach the camera. This is good for repositioning the camera as well. (You can make your own tripod out of wood or something if you have the ingenuity).

Step 4:
Find a good location to film the video in. This should be an appropriate sized room unless the setting requires a shot in a smaller room or showing a closet. A room with good size or plenty of windows helps with lighting. Also, obtain a lot of electric lighting if more lighting is needed. Also, everyday items such as a desk lamp turned at the appropriate angle can help. Whatever can be done to increase lighting helps, especially with cameras that are not low light capable.

Step 5:
Likely, the video made is something you will want to upload to the computer. Buy good video editing software if the camera does not have a video format compatiable with Windows Movie Maker or make sure the camera comes with its own editing software. I have Magix Movie edit pro, but it sometimes loses the audio with quicktime format, so make sure a good format is used.

Step 6:
Scripts help. Write what is going to happen ahead of time and rehearse it or be sure you know what you want to do in the video. Improvision skills help a lot without scripts.

Step 7:
Gather together any props, costumes, makeup, background materials, or whatever is needed to enhance the video. Make sure the extra materials go with the theme of your activity and setting. If you haven't got the appropriate materials, buy some or make your own. A good place to get discount materials is the local Dollar Tree or wait until Halloween materials are on clearance if you don't want to spend a lot. Also second hand stores or rummage sales can be good places to get discount costumes and such. Also searching your own closet might be good place for costumes such as business suits or retro clothing. Making your own porps and costumes is an option but is clearly based on your own creativity.

Step 8:
Get all items in place in the room(s) or areas chosen to make your film. Get the character(s) ready in costume and makeup. Make sure that no disturbances such as other family members, phones ringing, etc. will occur during filming or mre than one take may have to take place. (Sometimes a good thing if a funny blooper occured as this can also be posted to an online account for laughs).

Step 9:
The next step is to make the video. How the video goes is up to you and may be a topic for a seperate how to article.

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