Large Scale Central

Video contest?

General Discussion
#1

Mik introduced the build challenges a few years ago and got a lot of us to build things and get involved. That gave me an idea. What does everyone think about a video challenge? There are so many of you guys with great layouts but we never get to see pictures of them or even video. Im also thinking about making it a seasonal challenge in hopes to get people out running in all the seasons. I wont start this until Spring hits. It gives everyone time to start working on making videos and using the movie maker program. For PC users I found windows movie maker to work best. Apple im not sure what version they use.

Videos wont be more then 5 minutes long. Garden Railways had two issues on making movies that is excellent resource. The most current one Kevin did and the dec 2009 issue Eric Shade did a great write up. Use this time to start learning how to make videos. Any questions post here. Does it sound like something you guys would like to try?

When converting my files into windows media player have to convert the files to AVI. I use this program
http://www.formatoz.com/
Its easy to use and works well.

#2

I like the idea Shawn, Maybe it will get me to learn how to use my camera.

#3

Ya gotta wait 'til Glow Ball War Ming comes to my layout. We got some more snow last week, and it has turned to ice. I think it can now be called a glacier.

#4

Another video editing program that Ralph suggested to me is Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum. Easy to use even for a dunce like me. I can’t remember the price, but it was less then $100 I think. It has different tracks so you can dub in different sounds, music, voices, graphics, stills, whatever.

I just do it for the fun of it, but a challenge sounds like it might be interesting. Though it takes more then 5 minutes to make a circuit around the layout…:wink:

#5

Shawn,

Some more software suggestions,

Adobe Premiere Elements is one for Windows and Mac.

Apple iMovie and Final Cut Pro are popular for Apple users.

Sound like a fun contest, I hope to enter!

Alec

#6

Great idea to see other layouts Shawn…
We made a lot of videos in the past 5 yrs. and we still like Windows XP Movie Maker over Windows Vista Movie Maker. but have use both… It has a lot of stuff to work with once you learn the in’s and outs. We kind of make our kind of long but still be nice to have others make short videos of there layout. Always looking for ideas and that the best way to see them in homemade videos…
One thing to remember if adding music and other sounds… make sure you have the right to use them and copyright them… Usally all you have to do is ask the owner for the ok for our hobby. Noel

#7

I use CyberLink PowerDirector10. Fastest rendering I’ve ever seen together with all the bells and whistles including CyberLink Wave Editor.

Before PD I used Ulead MediaStudio Pro 8, which ended up at Corel and there were no more upgrades. :frowning:

Also tried some of the Corel video products, didn’t like them.

#8

Ken you dont have to do an entire loop. You can jump in and out. But we can make the movies longer. just through a number out. Its more for fun and maybe get everyone to try it out and show off their layouts.
Steve I wont do it until things start growing and thawing out. Just use this time learning how to use whatever program that is out their. You guys gave some other great movie makers. I just use the one that comes with the microsoft word programs. Any program will work so if there are any others post them. This is just to get everything thinking and practice.
Indoor layouts will count Vic.