Lynda.com is a great tool for learning an audio and visual step by step process of all the essential functions that makes iMovie an easy tool to navigate and use for both beginner and experienced filmmakers. The first important thing I learned during this experience was to directly connect my ethernet cord into my computer for the best viewing experience. Using a WiFi connection continued to make the viewing process longer and the tutorial continued to pause making the total viewing time longer than needed and also can minimize the true functionality and personal interest in using this great tutorial tool for a valuable learning experience.
For beginning users like myself I recommend starting with the first four chapters to get an understanding of the basics of the initial steps when using the filming software for projects.
Here are a few basic things I learned in the beginning steps of the iMovie tutorial clearly narrated and created by Garrick Chow.
The Basics
Chapter 1-3
- Bookmark and Tags
- Software Updates
- Types of Connections
- Importing Videos
- The User Interface
- Auto-Save
- Organization
Bookmark and Tags
The first handy tool i used during my iMovie tutorial sessions was Lynda.com Bookmarks and Tags options to help me remember where I left off and what important aspects I need to return to for future projects. This feature helped label and tag areas quickly to return and search quickly through the iMovie chapters when I returned to continue or review only a specific clip I was interested in for a bookmarked chapter.
Importing Videos for DV Tape Based Camera’s
The next part that was useful to my learning was how to import various types of video from different types of hardware. I have a lot of video’s that have piled up over the years from tape based DV videos and I have yet to import them into a software that helps me manually go throw the specific footage that is of value to me. With the manual click on specific clips that right into iMovie. I also know that many of my old videos are shaky I can use a stabilization option to help edit the unstable footage after being captured with a handheld camera with no prior tripod access.
The User Interface
Understanding the key terms and interface elements was an important component to my learning process since I am new to film making basic. The iMovie interface is made up of several areas or “panes” as Garrich Chow explains. The bottom portion of the interface is dedicated to your Events. Located on the bottom left view is the Event Library where all the movies you have imported into iMovie are found. The bottom right view is the Event Browser where you can see the Source video, and select clips you want to use from the video you clicked on in the Event Library. I am so happy about learning about the Source video because I usually think I unknowingly deleted the original but the Source video will always remain how it was imported. This information will allow me to explore more in the next section of editing when creating my videos. If I make a mistake I can always return to Source!
The top left portion of the interface is dedicated to the Project Pane and it is where you drag and drop the clips you are choosing for your video project. The top right portion of the interface is called the Viewer where you can see your project play. The middle grey bar that separates the top and bottom portion is called the Tool Bar where you can fine tune and adjust your projects.
Auto Save
The cool thing I learned about iMovie is that you never have to worry about saving your projects because all projects automatically save so you do not have to worry about losing your projects.
Getting Organized
Getting organized can be tedious and time-consuming but overall it saves time and energy that will later make it worthwhile once you put the effort. Merging your events can ultimately save space since events in your library can add up!
Organizing your clips can be done in several ways:
- splitting events
- using keywords
- Putting into their own event
- Renaming
- Searching, saving, and choosing by drive, months, days, events
Before jumping to editing I will take some time and organize my library!
Reflective Connection's with Christina Wilson 