Movies+&+Animations

= Video Editing Tools - Software & Additional Tools =

== __[|iMovie-]__ Apple's video editor included on iMacs & Macbooks as part of the [|iLife] suite. A robust editing and movie creation tool. The learning curve is moderate and it takes a few projects to get the hang of the nuances that will yield polished results. Worth the time investment for teachers and students with an interest in the visual arts.==

Some key features:
== __[|Windows Live Movie Maker-]__ A pared down version of Windows Movie Maker included in Windows 7. Most students with Netbooks have this version. With a shallow learning curve it is easy to use. With limited features students keep moving forward on a project, rather than getting mired in complex options.==
 * ==In project recording of voice overs.==
 * ==Precision editing of video & audio tracks.==
 * ==Easy access to sound effects.==
 * ==Green screen capability.==
 * ==In screen clip library.==

Some key features:

 * ==Integrated video recording right into projects.==
 * ==Simple drag & drop inserting of video and audio clips.==
 * ==Uncluttered interface.==

==__Recommendation:__ While access to Macs is limited in some schools, iMovie is the preferred tool for complex and/or lengthy projects. Shorter whole class projects where efficient time management is a priority can often be completed with Windows Live Movie Maker. Its inclusion on the netbooks offers the opportunity for more individual students to use the tools and learn basic video editing techniques.==

__Additional Tools__
== [|MPEG Streamclip] - Free downloadable video converter, player, editor for Mac and Windows. Very useful for converting downloaded YouTube videos that are often in Flash (.flv) format to mp4 format. MPEG Streamclip can also export just the audio track off of videos. Easy to use, reliable, and clean.==

== __Download Helpers__ - Addons or extensions for [|Firefox] and [|Google Chrome] that enable downloading of embedded videos are great tools to assist in collecting resources for video projects. The two below are the most consistent and clean I've found:==
 * ==[|YouTube Downloader] - will install directly into Chrome or Firefox. Puts a button under the control panel of the YouTube player.==
 * ==[|Download Helper] - Places an icon on the toolbar which will recognize downloadable videos and provide format options.==