Get Louder!
an advokit for libraries
Windows Movie Maker (Windows OS)
Windows Movie Maker is a FREE editing package compatible with, as the name suggests, Windows operating systems. For Apple fans there is an equivalent version for Macs however I haven’t used this so no comment. Windows Movie Maker is quick to learn and in the main its intuitive to use. It’s reminiscent of Microsoft PowerPoint, and Publisher so if you have used these programs previously you will find this easy to use.
As basic beginners software I can see how you could outgrow its simplicity as your own skills improve, however it’s a great place to start and you can make a ‘good enough’ product. You will also find a raft of youtube ‘how too videos’ to assist you as well as countless forums, the software’s help function is also easy to use and understand. The best piece of advice is to have a play you really can’t break anything, but be prepared to lose track of time.
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iMovie (Mac OSX, iOS7)
iMovie is a fantastic piece of software for anyone who has minimal experience with video editing software. Free for Mac users (comes with OSX), or $6.49 for iPad and iPhone users, iMovie comes with a wide range of ready to use titles, transititions, and effects templates. You can also use existing Garageband loops, or music from your iTunes library (don't forget about licensing!). There is a slight learning curve with this software but it is easy to get the hang of. Plus it is simple to share or upload your projects to Facebook, Youtube, or Vimeo.
Designed as entry-level software, some could argue iMovie is fairly limited and inflexible. Pre-formatted templates can also be a disadvantage, particularly if you require more flexibility or control over your titles and transitions. That being said, iMovie is the perfect place to start for a budding director.
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Final Cut Pro X (Mac OSX)
Final Cut Pro X is Apple's flagship professional-grade video editing software, and as such has a significantly steeper learning curve than software like iMovie and Windows Movie Maker. But it can also do and handle so much more. There are more effects, titles, and transitions than iMovie, and these can all be formatted and tailored, or even built from the ground up. It lets you easily colour correct and colour match your projects. Final Cut Pro also has the added advantage of being able to easily integrate with other editing software, such as Compressor and Motion.
Sharing your projects through social media channels is just as easy as it is in iMovie.
Having far more sophisticated editing capabilities, FCPX gives you much more control over your projects and more inspiration to really create something cool.
Final Cut Pro X is a more expensive piece of software at $299, but you get a LOT of bang for your buck. So if you can afford it and have a bit more time to invest in learning the ins and outs of FCPX, then you won't be disappointed.
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Video - tell your story
No longer considered cost-prohibitive, libraries today can easily and cheaply put together short videos to promote their services and programs to a wider online audience through a number of social media channels. Today's community member has high expectations.... and it's up to us to deliver! With the right software and a little dedication, you can astound, astonish, impress, and most importantly engage! Check out the couple of example videos we made to give you an idea of the kind of stories you can tell, and the fun you can have..
Below you will find a just a few programs you can use to create great videos.
Software reviews
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