Week Three - Editing the Movie

In this session our aim was to convert our movie clips from MP4 files into WMV files and begin editing our movies using Windows Movie Maker.
Step 1 - On Windows Movie Maker, click on "Import video" in the to left corner of the screen, find your converted files and import.
Step 2 - Drag and drop your movie clips into the timeline at the bottom in the correct order if possible (if not, the order can still be changed).
Step 3 - If you need to cut a part of one of your clips out, click on "Show timeline" and the bottom. Then highlight the clip you want to trim and simply click and drag to trim the selected clip.
Step 4 - To add titles and credits, click on "Edit movie" on the left-hand side, then "Make titles or credits" and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 5 - To add sound to your movie, click on "Import audio or music" and select your sound clip(s). Drag and drop these onto the appropriate place on your timeline.
Step 6 - When you are finished, go to "File" and "Save movie file.." Before closing Windows Movie Maker completely, go to the folder where you saved your movie and check that it plays! If you close Windows Movie Maker and find that it does not play, you will have to start the process again!

During this input, Sharon showed us exactly how to use the different features of Windows Movie Maker and I was able to practice using a movie animation. I then went on to convert my movie files using a website called Zamzar. This website allows you to upload video clips and convert them to a different format. It then emails you a link to your converted file, which you can download. At first I thought this would be a very useful tool, however, when I started to convert our movie clips I found that it was very time consuming and depending on how busy the website is, you are not always emailed your coverted file instantly. When I had converted all of my files and downloaded them, I realised that almost all of the movie clips were corrupt.
I learned my lesson the hard way: when doing something like this always check to make sure whatever you are doing is actually working sucessfully!

I then had to go to plan B and managed to successfully downloaded a file converter which was quick and easy to use in order for me to import my files and begin editing my movie.

I followed the advice given by Sharon (see step 1 - 6 above). Although very time consuming, I thoroughly enjoyed the process of editing my movie - during the session I managed to edit and trim the appropriate clips, add in some French language throughout as well as titles and credits. In the next session, all Mandy and I still had to do was decide on music we wanted to use and add this into our movie.

However, once again I learned the hard way and realised that when you come to save your work after editing, do not remove the USB drive that your movie clips have been loaded from before you have saved...

I then had to take our converted movie clips away with me on a USB drive and start to process again. On the positive side, I knew exactly what I had to do to complete the editing process and it didn't take me as long the second time round. Also, if I were to do this with a group of children, I am now able to see where they may slip up and can guide them in the task.

As I mentioned above, we added some French subtitles into our movie; this shows that this task can easily be implemented into some different cross curricular areas. Below are some examples of the Curriculum for Excellence experiences and outcomes that can fit into our movie making  process in particular:

• I have worked with others, using a variety of media including ICT where appropriate, and can contribute successfully to a presentation in English, supported by use of the language I am learning, on an aspect of life in a country where the language I am learning is spoken. MLAN 2-06b
• This links well with creating a movie in English and adding in some French subtitles relating the topic.
• By applying my knowledge and understanding of current healthy eating advice I can contribute to a healthy eating plan. HWB 2-30a
• In our movie, we were creating a traditional Scottish meal, however, if the children were doing a topic on healthy eating, they could create a movie regarding healthy eating and this would easily fit in with some health and wellbeing experiences and outcomes.
•  I have created and presented scripted or improvised drama, beginning to take account of audience and atmosphere. EXA 2-14a
• In the movie, the children may be required to do some acting and this would fit in with some expressive arts outcomes.