There are many reasons you may choose to create a video project. Use this guide to learn about free or inexpensive tools and resources available to help you.
Tools for Creating and Editing Videos
-
-
Built to simplify the video editing, motion graphics, and audio mixing capabilities.
-
-
An easy-to-use video editing tool for Mac users.
-
-
A free powerful video editor.
Video Project Time Requirements
Video and audio projects take some time to produce, relative to the length of the finished product. Below are rough estimates for the time requirements of different projects:
- Informal audio interview: 1/2 hour - 2 hour production time (10-12 minute project)
- Formal interview: 1 - 5 hours production time (10-12 minute project)
- Simple interview-style video: 1 – 3 hours production time (3 – 5 minute project)
- Complex video project with footage from multiple sources: 4 – 20 hours production time (3 - 5 minute project)
Stages of Video Production
There are 3 stages in any video production. Use each section listed below to learn more about each stage.
To get started, plan out ideas on how the final video is going to look, draw out some simple scripts as guidelines, budget out the times needed for recording, and think about who your target audience is and format your video accordingly.
For most videos, you will only need a few pieces of equipment: a camera that's capable of recording video, a microphone, and a subject to film.
Additionally, you may want a set of lights and a tripod for your camera to assist in getting clean, stable shots.
There are many different components in creating a good looking video.
Some examples include, but are not limited to: using different cameras, lenses, filters, focus, lighting, composition, framing, and more to achieve different effects in your end result.
If you are interested in learning more about how to shoot video projects, check out some of these tutorials:
This next step is called 'post-production'. You may not need to edit your video if you are shooting a single video/clip and uploading it for your project.
However, if you have multiple clips that you need to put together, want to add special effects, cut or trim clips, or anything else, you will need to load your files into editing software.
Making Videos on Your Smartphone
5 tips to shoot better video on your mobile device:
- Shoot in landscape, not vertical
- Keep your phone smooth and steady
- Work with the light, not against it
- Beware of unwanted noises in your videos
- Use video-recording equipment (microphones and lights)
Additionally, you may want a set of lights and a tripod for your camera to assist in getting clean, stable shots.
Compress Video on Your Smartphone
If you are recording a short video demonstrating skills, you can compress the video to make the upload time faster. In the Canvas Student app, video files are restricted to 500 mg.
On an iOS device (iPhone or iPad), you can change the resolution before shooting your video. Next time you shoot a video using the Video mode found in the menu strip below the viewfinder, notice the video resolution and frame rate separated by a dot in the top corner of the screen. Tap to change from 4K to a lower resolution.
Video Compression Apps
Download a free app that can easily compress videos that you have saved on your phone.
Use the links shown below to download an app on your phone:
Hosting Videos with YouTube
YouTube is a popular platform for sharing videos, allowing creators to reach a wide audience from around the world. It provides easy access and creative tools that make it simple for anyone to upload and showcase their content.
YouTube Accessibility Settings
YouTube has a very powerful closed captioning tool. Making use of this tool allows your video to be accessible for a greater number of viewers. The following video will provide you with details:
YouTube Privacy Settings
There are three options for providing access to your uploaded video -- Public, Private, and Unlisted.
-
Public (Default)
- Anyone can view it
- Found in YouTube search results
-
Private
- Restricted to a few people by adding their email address
- No comments allowed
-
Unlisted
- Only people with the link will be able to access it
- Not found in YouTube search results
- Use to restrict to only people in your course
Submitting a Video Assignment to MyCanvas
- Click on the assignment link.
- Click on Start Assignment.
- Under the Text Entry tab, click on the Embed My Media icon in the Rich Content Editor toolbox.
- Click on +Add New and then select Media Upload
- Drag & drop or choose a file to upload.
- It is recommended that files be no larger than 2GB in size, otherwise you may experience long uploading times or internet interruptions depending on your internet speed and bandwidth.
- Fill out the details.
- Click Save and Embed when you are done.
- You should now see a thumbnail of the video embedded in your assignments Rich Content Editor field.
- Note: Depending on the size of your file, you may see a processing message where your video should be embedded. You can go ahead with submitting the assignment. It will continue to process until it is done.
- You can always come back to check on your submission by accessing the assignment and clicking on Submission Details from the right sidebar.
- Click Submit Assignment when you are done.