The Meejah Channel - For anyone and everyone who would like to make videos and become a Youtube sensation. All the tips, tricks and wrinkles showing you how to make and publish your own videos with little-to-no budget or equipment (and even how to make money at it!).
When doing a piece to camera, you can save yourself a lot of time, grief and video footage (not to mention the neccessity of learning lines), by using an autocue/teleprompter. "But aren't they massively expensive"? I hear you cry! Well professional ones certainly are, but if you own a smartphone or tablet computer, then there are apps available that will turn your device into something very similar to an autocue/teleprompter. If when using these apps, you place your device just above the camera lens, the it is very difficult for your audience to detect that you are looking at the device and not at the camera. The problem, of course is, how do you get your device to hover in that sweet-spot above your camera lens?
This video will show you an easy an inexpensive solution to that problem. Build one yourself and never again be lost for words in front of a camera.
It's a surprising and humerous effect. Jumping through a closed (in this case, car) door. In this video I show how to make this nifty little effect using Sony Vegas Pro. The version I used for the tutorial was Sony Vegas Pro 13, but any of the Pro versions should be able to do the job just as well. When I first tried to make the effect, I thought it would just be a basic jump-cut - cutting from the actor on one side of the door, jumping against it, to the actor on the other side of the door. When I tried that approach however, the results were somewhat less than convincing... So I used the last few frames of the "Jump" side to "blend" the actor into the door - a bit more with each frame, until they were completely on the other side and this produced a much more convincing effect. But don't take my word for it, check it out in the video below.
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And if you like stuff like this, then why not subscribe to the Meejah Youtube channel... It's free! SUBSCRIBE
Ah the magic of the photgraphic Matte. This technique allows filmmakers to literally build castles in the air. In the old days, nary a film went by without some spectacular matte-ing taking place. In the days before CGI it was THE magic technique which could turn a tiny studio into a canyon or huge spaceship In the old days, mattes were created by painting the scene or effect onto a pane of glass. The film would then be shot through the glass, making whatever was painted on it look like part of the scene. The mattes were painted by skilled artists who could match the tones and colours of their imaginary scenery almost perfectly with the surrounding area making for an almost undetectable blend. These days of course, mattes can be created digitally by anyone who has a computer, an editor and a couple of hours to spare. This video will show you how to do that very technique for yourself. I use Sony Vegas Pro 10 in the tutorial, but the method should be the same for any of the Sony Vegas Pro series. It's not difficult and the results can be very impressive - Why not try it yourself?
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If you like this sort of thing, why not subscribe to the Meejah Youtube Channel - It's free! SUBSCRIBE
Ah the magic of the photgraphic Matte. This technique allows filmmakers to literally build castles in the air. In the old days, nary a film went by without some spectacular matte-ing taking place. In the days before CGI it was THE magic technique which could turn a tiny studio into a canyon or huge spaceship In the old days, mattes were created by painting the scene or effect onto a pane of glass. The film would then be shot through the glass, making whatever was painted on it look like part of the scene. The mattes were painted by skilled artists who could match the tones and colours of their imaginary scenery almost perfectly with the surrounding area making for an almost undetectable blend. These days of course, mattes can be created digitally by anyone who has a computer, an editor and a couple of hours to spare. This video will show you how to do that very technique for yourself. I use Sony Vegas Pro 10 in the tutorial, but the method should be the same for any of the Sony Vegas Pro series. It's not difficult and the results can be very impressive - Why not try it yourself?
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If you like this sort of thing, why not subscribe to the Meejah Youtube Channel - It's free! SUBSCRIBE
I'll be honest with you - Windows LIVE Movie Maker is not my favourite beast. The Old Movie Maker at least looked a bit like a real Video editor and had a timeline. The new one does have editing abilities but is nowhere near as flexible or intuitive as it's ancestor. Having said that, Windows LIVE Movie Maker is the only editor that some people have. After all. if you want to try your hand at video editing, you are not going to shell out hundreds on a program that you may decide not to use after all - you are going to try it out on something that's available, and hopefully, free!For anyone who runs Windows, then the free and available option is going to take the form of Windows Live Movie Maker. One of the most popular videos on the Meejah Channel is How to make a Pro Intro with Windows Movie Maker which was a tutorial using the Original Windows Movie Maker but it has prompted a torrent of messages asking for a tutorial showing how to do this with the LIVE version. I ignored the situation for a long time hoping it would go away, but it looks like it never will, so I have finally taken the bull by the horns and produced the video they were all asking for. It's a complete how-to, from sourcing your background clips, through editing them on Windows LIVE Movie Maker, and finally rendering into a Video. Hope you enjoy it.
Ahh, the magic of cloning. The ability to have more that one of any particular actor, to create twins where none existed before - The sheer novelty of the situation is one beloved by video watchers and video creators alike, and is the staple situation for many video effect gags. But is this effect a difficult one to produce? Modern technology has made it very easy to clone yourself on video with even standard home video equipment. Unfortunately it's not really possible to do this effect with the lowest of low end editors (i.e. the free editors like Windows Movie Maker et al.) but it is certainly well within the capability of most medium range video editors like Sony Vegas Pro, which was the Editor of choice for this demonstration. Taken step by step, this is not such a difficult effect to produce and once the principle is understood, many variations of the basic concept can be created. It basically relies on locking down the camera and producing two identical video clips, one with the actor on one side and one with the actor on the other side. The two clips are then layered, one on top of the other in the editor. Now a virtual "hole" is cut in the actor-less side of the top layer to reveal the actor on the bottom layer next to the actor on the top layer. Because the background to both is identical, both actors appear to be in the same scene. That's a basic overview of how the clone effect works, but for a more detailed description and examples check out the video below and soon you'll be multiplying faster than rabbits.
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If you like this sort of stuff, then why not subscribe to Meejah's Youtube channel - It's free!
Ever fancied zapping people (filmically speaking) with a laser? Perhaps this is just the effect you need to put the fininshing touches to your own no-budget Sci-fi short but the ability to produce such an effect is beyond you? After all, this stuff isn't easy. Hollywood spend gazillions of dollars on special effects like these. Producing such a feat requires high-end editors and an encyclopaedic knowledge of specialist programs like Adobe's After Effects doesn't it? Well usually, yes but there is a simple technique you can use to pull off a pretty respectable laser-zap effect with minimal tools and skills. You can emulate the classic Star Trek style Laser/Phaser zap with surprisingly little in the way of fancy editors. In fact, this Classic effect can be created on virually any video editor - even the most basic ones. If your editor can do simple cuts, fades and screen grabs (and they nearly all can) - Then you can do this. Check out the video to find out how.
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If you like this sort of stuff, then why not subscribe to Meejah's Youtube channel - It's free!
Are you a potential movie maker? Always wanted to do SOMETHING, but don't quite know how to start? Are you one of those people who are always planning to make their first video for Youtube, but somehow never quite get started because of the fear that you might make a pig's ear of it? Well fear no more. Meejah's latest video is all about addressing this very problem, with five Top Tips that will steer the ususpecting newcomer away from the most common mistakes that newbies tend to make. There's nothing difficult here, just some common-sense advice that will give you a jump-start in the art of making videos. You could of course find out about these tricks yourself eventually by simply making the mistakes, seeing the results, and saying "Well I won't do that again", but now you can save yourself all that time, hassle and pain, and hit the ground running. So, check out these Top Five tips, grab your Video camera, and go and make some great videos - Now!
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If you like this sort of stuff, then why not subscribe to Meejah's Youtube channel - It's free!
I get an awful lot of messages from people asking about where they can get hold of copyright free music and sound effects for use in their video productions. Which is understandable because appropriate sound effects and music can add a whole new dimension to a video. The reason they need licence-free music is because they know that the use of unauthorised music in their videos could lead to their video being pulled by Youtube for copyright infringement. What's more, they could be laying themselves open to a legal challenge from the music's owners. It seems that it is not generally known that Youtube have a library of copyright-free music and sound effects that are available for free download by anyone with a Youtube account. These downloads are all absolutely safe to use in all Youtube videos (and indeed, any other videos for that matter). So this video shows you exacly how to go about accessing these great freebies - Courtesy of Youtube. Check it out. You'll be glad you did.
Ever had a great bit of video that you really wanted to upload, but were too embarrased to show because it contained swearing, cursing or bad language? Well now you can use that golden footage - dig out those clips, because in this video tutorial you can find out how to "Bleep" out those naughty words and make your video suitable for everyone, not just Builders and Sailors. It's remarkably easy to do and the technique can be used on pretty much ANY video editor - Including basic ones. If you can split your clip then you can use this method. To prove the point that the technique can be used on any video editor, the demonstration in this video is performed on Windows Movie Maker - So C'mon - don't just sit there, get %@%! Bleeping!
Ever thought that your video and photographic compsitions were lacking that certain "something"? Wondered why your snaps never looked quite as good as some of the pro shots you have seen? So what is the secret to composing pleasing shots with your camera or camcorder - Is it something which requires an artist's eye and years of training? Well, actually, the secret of composition rest in the application of a very simple rule - more a guideline really - called "The Rule of Thirds". It's actually a very simple technique that was discovered hundreds of years ago by the great artists of old and continues to be used by artists, photographers and cinematographers to this day. The technique is simple to learn, yet very effective. Adopt this technique and you should get successful results 90% of the time.Check out the video and you'll see what i mean.
One of the most useful things that you can do with a video editor is to add narration to your video. In fact if you want to make a documentary of any sort, it's pretty much vital. Windows Movie Maker is a great little program for what it is - and the price is right (Free). But sophisticated it is not. It offers only one Audio/Music track which usually means having to choose between having background music or a voiceover. With a little bit of cheating however, you CAN have both and although Windows Movie Maker does not allow you to gently fade between different volume levels, this too, can be done by cheating. So if you want to know how to use Windows Movie Maker to remove an annoying sound-track, add some nice music, a narration AND drop the background music level whilst the narrator is speaking, then this video is for you - Check it out.
Do your Vlogs lack snap and pazazz? Do they ramble on a bit? - Then you need to discover Jump Cuts!
What are Jump Cuts? Jump cuts is a rough 'n ready video editing technique, the sole purpose of which is to cut out all the rubbishy content of your Vlogs, such as ummms, aahhs and pregnant pauses, and to stitch together the rest of the content into a fast pacey Vlog.
Check out the vlogscape on and around Youtube and you will see that this video editing technique has become the de facto way to edit Vlogs as it provides pace and zing to even the most mundane videos.
This video transition technique is quick and easy to do and can be done with even the most basic of Video editors - in fact the demo here is done with Windows Movie Maker ( don't have a copy? No problem you can download it free from the link at www.meejah.co.uk)
Halloween is nearly upon us, and now is the time when the world and his mother will want to get their hands on the Film-Maker's favourite prop - Fake Blood! Theatrical blood isn't cheap, costing many pounds/dollars for just a small 25ml bottle, so if your ambition is to produce a low budget zombie movie requiring gallons of the red stuff, you may find it quite expensive Ordinary red stuffs don't cut the mustard - Red fruit juice is too thin and runny and ketchup isn't going to fool anyone. You need something viscous, deep red and slightly opaque - and cheap! Luckily such a substance is not difficult to produce - In fact you may well already have in your larder all the ingredients you need to make very convincing fake blood. So if you are looking for a way to make cheap, convincing (and edible) fake blood - Look no further, just check out the video below.
Ever wanted to shoot someone in the head - I'm speaking Cinematically of course. Well if so, you're in luck because in In this episode we show you how you can easily produce the classic headshot. No fancy (or expensive) editors, or high end programs like Aftereffects are needed to produce this quick n' easy effect. You can do this with even the most basic of video editors. To prove the point we demonstrate the whole technique using nothing more than Windows Movie Maker. This is also a special episode as it marks our 1000th subscription (Hip Hip Hurrah!) and to celebrate this fact, EVIL TED the megalomaniac Teddy has returned to help us with our demonstration, but it's not for the squeamish because he's as evil as ever. Don't take my word for it. Check it out in the video below.
How we all love those sexy slow slider camera shots that we see on the movies and TV. The way that the camera seems to effortlessly and smoothly float past the array of ingredients on your favourite cookery program, the smooth segue of the camera as it displays the dazzling flowers on those gardening programs and the slow considered change of point of view on those sumptuous period dramas. Of course the equipment to carry out this feat of cinematographic splendour - a camera slider - are not cheap bits of kit. But despair not people, you can produce similar sexy smoothness with very little in the way of equipment. In fact you may already have everything you need to do this So check out the video below, This incredibly quick and simple DIY hack will allow you to take those sexy smooth slider shots that you've seen on the movies and TV with virtually nothing in the way of equipment and cost. For something so quick and easy, the results of this DIY slider are remarkably good. Try it yourself.
Do you findthe standard titling options in Windows Movie Maker (WMM) a bit Mnnahhh...? Do you long for something with a bit more gravitas that will bestow an aura of high technology jiggery-pokery?
Alas, we all know that this kind of intro requires high octane (and costly) programs like "After effects". There is no way you could even come close to producing such video eye-candy by using something as basic as the free editor "Windows Movie Maker" Well, my friends you have been informed. Impressively cool intros can indeed be created using nothing more complicated that your free copy of WWM. Fancy having a go at making some cool pro-looking intros? This tutorial will show you how. It's easier than you think and loads of fun.So if all you've got to edit on is Windows Movie Maker (WMM) here is the tutorial you have been waiting for.
Do you find that the video that you shoot with your mini-DV cam comes out a bit shakey? That every minor twitch of your hand is transmitted unfailingly to your footage? Well unfortunately that's just the way it is with small cameras. Their small size means that it is difficult to hold them with both hands and the one you are holding it with is invariably close to the lens - a recipe that virtually guarantees shakiness. What you need is a camera rig - a frame-like device that allows you to hold your camera with both hands - and away from the lens. Camera rigs however, (like everything photographic), are not cheap. Well fear not my little ones, because this video shows an easy, and instant way to re-purpose a bit of kit that you may already have, and use it as a camera-rig, quickly and easily, giving your home video clips all the classy looking stability that you know they deserve.
Have you ever been in the situation where you have been out in the wilds with your video camera, hoping to make a nice little video, but the shots are a little shakey and you wishedthat you had brought something with you to stabilise your video camera, but the prospect of lugging a tripod along for miles meant that you left it behind? (that was a big sentence wasn't it?) Then this could be the answer. An easily constructed and virtually zero-cost camera stabiliser that is so compact that you can carry it about in your pocket. It might not compare with a full blown tripod, but it can certainly vastly reduce the inevitable shakiness that is part and parcel of hand-held shots. And anyway, It's so cheap, easy and effective, that it's certainly worth making and trying out for yourself. I'm guessing that once you have tried it, you'll probably never leave home without it. Check it out in the video below.
If you've ever wondered why clapperboards need to be clapped at the beginning of each shot then Meejah's latest video is for you. The video is a how-to showing you how to synchronize your video with a seperately recorded audio.
Quite often, low-budget video productions are let down by their sound. This is because they use the sound recorded by their video camera, which can not only introduce noise produced by the handling and moving of the camera during recording, but will also produce varying qualities and volumes of sound depending on where the camera is used, how far the performers are away from the camera and etc.
By recording your audio seperately, you will gain much more control over your sound, and produce a slicker looking (and sounding) video.
Recording your sound seperately need not be expensive either. Yes audio equipment can be expensive, but a bit of creativity can work wonders. Meejah's previous video showed a Zero-budget way to achieve this using a mobile phone - with impressive results - Check out the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2TlA2Tkc-w
Accurate synching of sound is surprisingly easy and takes litle in the way of equipment or skill. In fact, if your video is fairly uncomplicated, you can synch it simply by clapping your hands - Puzzled? just check out the video below and all will be revealed.
