Making Movies

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I'm toying with the idea of making a very short movie or two, through which I plan to chronicle some select adventures. I'm just starting my research and thought I'd include this crowd.

I'm talking home movies, and this will be my first foray. Does anyone dabble in this? Any recommendations for software programs that a reasonably intelligent neo-luddite could figure out? The Roxio Easy Media Creator seems reasonably priced for what you get and it seems to have received pretty good reviews. Adobe has a $100-ish program that also gets pretty good reviews. I'd like something that will allow me to do some minor editing, but nothing major/complicated.

As for cameras, there are so many out there! (I know a lot of them come with software, so that may ultimately dictate whether or not I need an extra package.) Any advice on recording format? Why or why not choose a certain type? I'd like to spend in the $500 range for a camera, and I would like it to work reasonably well indoors as well as outdoors. From the zillions of reviews I've read, it seems that the $400 and less cameras may work reasonably well for outdoor filming, but not so good for indoor.

Finally, I'd like to eventually include a helmet/head cam in all this. What would they be called in the tech world (if I were to do a search on C|Net or something)? Anyone ever use one?

I will close by saying that if this is too complicated I will scream and run away. So if anyone has experience with this and tells me that it is complicated, then pah! I'm done.

Thanks, ladies.

[maillotpois]

I have nothing helpful to say as all my film editing work was done before the digital age. Super fun stuff and I am sure now it is even easier than when I did it in college.

However, I will say on the subject of helmet cams - for me this opens up a larger worm can that the whole wearing headphone while you ride debacle. DH coached a fast TNT group for the Tahoe century a few years back when I was training for Death Ride. I joined them for the century because it was super good training for me. But... I "got" to ride with this one wacko team member I had been warned about whose name escapes me who rode with a helmet cam - AND USED IT in PACELINES!!! OMG. I totally yelled at him several times, and he appeared quite chagrined each time - like he'd forgotten he wasn't supposed to use it. It's not like DH hadn't yelled at him throughout training as well - particularly aftter this guy caused a crash. But like some puppy who does not learn the lesson he kept doing it and I kept yelling at him. He'd be going 25 in a paceline, turning his stupid head so he could film the scenery.

I'm sure it is a GREAT tool to have when you are riding alone - or perhaps at the end of the pack. But the futzing with it to turn it on and off alone can be dangerous.

Sorry. I thought I had gotten over that episode.

Another thing to consider is the issue which applies also to helmet mounted lights - there are some who say that the crash safety of a helmet is compromised by having something mounted to it.

[Running Mommy]

My buddy Kevin would be able to help. I'll PM you his email address. He's a mac guy tho- so all of his software is mac related. But he could prolly give you advise on other programs. He has done some pretty cool movies of our moab adventures. He can also give you camera advice.
I must say putting together movies is a kick. I have done a bunch from all the early tri's I did. God bless my husband for his camera skills!
Fun stufff!

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However, I will say on the subject of helmet cams - for me this opens up a larger worm can that the whole wearing headphone while you ride debacle. DH coached a fast TNT group for the Tahoe century a few years back when I was training for Death Ride. I joined them for the century because it was super good training for me. But... I "got" to ride with this one wacko team member I had been warned about whose name escapes me who rode with a helmet cam - AND USED IT in PACELINES!!! OMG. I totally yelled at him several times, and he appeared quite chagrined each time - like he'd forgotten he wasn't supposed to use it. It's not like DH hadn't yelled at him throughout training as well - particularly aftter this guy caused a crash. But like some puppy who does not learn the lesson he kept doing it and I kept yelling at him. He'd be going 25 in a paceline, turning his stupid head so he could film the scenery.

I can appreciate this. I was thinking more along the lines of wearing it while hiking. My main focus for these movies is to go to a bunch of places that my dad loved to go when he was younger, which means a lot of hiking around Big Cottonwood Canyon here in SLC and probably some of the trails up in the Olympic National Park. I don't know if I'd actually wear it while mtn biking. Maybe, and I certainly wouldn't futz with it while riding since when mt biking I need to keep both hands on the wheel at all times (just ask anyone that has mt biked with me ). I certainly wouldn't wear it road riding. How exciting would that be?? Probably not very. I may also wear it skiing next winter, as my dad loved to ski.

This project is being launched at the request of my mother, to help my dad's memory and to bring him some joy. He doesn't leave the house (is terrified to, in fact) and she thinks that having him see footage of the mountains and all the places he used to love to go will help. I also want to be able to take indoor footage as we plan to record some of his stories, which he would not tell until now, not even to her. Hence the need for good indoor quality.

So never fear, I won't wear it at the same time as I wear my headphones while riding on the aero bars in a paceline whilst drinking a latte and talking on the cell phone.

[maillotpois]

So never fear, I won't wear it at the same time as I wear my headphones while riding on the aero bars in a paceline whilst drinking a latte and talking on the cell phone.

My latte just came out my nose a little....

That's a wonderful reason to be getting into this project. How fantastic - and what a great opportunity to be able to record some of these things both to show him and to help remember him and his life. Very cool.

[lizbids]

If you have the money to spend on 3CCD-chip technology, I say go for it. Cameras that have this are considered "broadcast" quality...may come in handy! I know they are MUCH cheaper than when I bought mine 6 years ago (It was 3K). I'm sure you'll have much more to choose from and cheaper, too!
Oh and don't use the zoom so much...it gives viewers a headache