Web Video University Review : Create Dazzling Videos - FREE Bonus Tips!
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Create Dazzling Web Videos - No Experience Needed
Since web video is one of the hottest trends on the internet, it was only a matter of time for something like this to come along. Whether you want to create videos to promote your products or services, or just want to learn how to make professional looking web videos, Web Video University can show you how. Maybe you're looking to be a freelance video producer, making money creating videos for others? Whatever your goal, this well laid-out course can help.
COURSE OUTLINE
The course is set up as four weekly modules of indepth video training, taking you from the basics through advanced techniques to produce high quality, eye-catching videos. Learn at your own pace in a "virtual" classroom setting - you don't need to complete each module within a week. In fact, the course materials are available to you for a full year.
No prior experience is needed and you won't even have to buy video editing software. All the software tools you need to complete the course projects are available as 30-day trials so you can "try before you buy."
INSTRUCTOR
The course is taught by David Kaminski, a seasoned veteran in the video world, and he does an outstanding job taking you through each and every step of the learning process. He may be a bit "dry" but the content is excellent. From how to get professional sound and lighting - on any budget - to powerful, yet amazingly simple, editing tricks that will give your videos a polished look, David shows you with interesting videos and behind the scenes access on how things are done. He even shows you how to build your own teleprompter system on the cheap. Very cool.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In a nutshell, Web Video University does video training right. You'll learn everything you need in the four week course - at a price comparable to taking a course at a community college, only without the books and the commute. And with gas prices where they are, that's a savings of time and money!
New class sessions start each month. Sign up for the July session and learn at your own pace - you'll have access to the site for one full year!
See below for my free bonus tips on making great videos and finding the right video editing software for your budget. I'll also be posting some of my own video creations based on the course in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
Web Video University Week-by-Week
Here's a rundown of each week's lessons as I take them
Week 1 provides a good overview for the entire program, what to expect and what you'll need to complete assignments along the way.
Lots of great info is provided to help you get the tools you need - such as lighting, microphones, and green screens - to be able to create professional looking videos on any budget.
Week 1 also gives a rundown of the video editing software options. I already owned Sony Vegas Pro, which is what the instructor uses as his software of choice, so there wasn't much concern for me on this topic.
Week 2
In week 2, we start getting into the meat of the program. The instructor, David Kaminski, shows step-by-step how he put together several video commercials by reconstructing the process from the start. This provided a great intro into several built-in tools for making professional transitions and video effects.
I went through all the lessons in one sitting because it was very interesting. I'll post a little sample of my own from the week 2 lessons here in the next few days just to show some of the tricks I learned in this lesson.
Since Sony Vegas is not available on Macs, David showed the same process by using Final Cut on a Mac. Anybody on a Mac had the option of watching the videos specifically for their operating system.
Week 3
Week 3 brought us green screens and some slick editing techniques to really give the videos some flare! Plus, Dave gave some great tips on how to improve video quality with software - lighten up dark scenes, improve contrast, etc. Very cool stuff!
I'm just getting rolling on the week four stuff and will post a video here once I'm done with it. Look for that the first week of July...
Video Tips and Tricks: The Basics
First and foremost, always use a tripod or similar accessory to keep your camera steady. Jumpy video is hard to watch, folks, unless perhaps you're aiming for a sequel to the "Blair Witch Project." Since that's highly unlikely, use the tools that will make for smooth panning and steady shots.
Lighting can be an issue, whether indoors or out. If outdoors, shoot so that shadows are limited on the subject, which generally means the sun is behind the camera operator. Indoors, if you don't have the option for professional lighting, then aim for a good broad lighting over the subject(s) and be sure you aren't filming someone standing in front of a window when it's light out.
Also avoid unnecessary zooming in and out while shooting video. Some people get a little carried away with this and the result is video that's hard to watch. If you really feel zooming in is needed after shooting video, you can achieve this in the editing process with just about any of today's video editing software packages.
Great Video Software at Amazon
When you're ready to buy, you'll get the best prices at Amazon
Vegas Pro 8 [OLD VERSION]
This is the video software package used by many professionals, including David Kaminski, the Web Video University instructor. It's outstanding software and includes the powerful Pro Titler. If it's in your budget range, this is great video editing software for Windows users or Mac users capable of running Windows through Bootcamp or Parallels.
Vegas Movie Studio 8 Platinum Edition [OLD VERSION]
I already owned the professional Sony Vegas Video 8 software package the instructor recommended. But for far less money, the budget-minded Vegas Movie Studio version offers many of the same tools as the Vegas Pro version. For most people this version will work out fine.
Adobe Premiere Elements 4 [OLD VERSION]
If you already have Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, this is a good video editing choice that you will easily become familiar with.
Final Cut Express 4
The best bargain choice for Mac users (especially if you don't have the option of running a Windows emulator). Final Cut Express is a slimmed down version of the far more expensive Final Cut Pro.
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