Hello my friends,

I've recently submitted more movies based on my photos and since I often get questions about them, I thought I would gather the answers here.



Q: What is your video camera?

Mainly the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. See this [link] for my complete photo equipment (same as video)

Q: Which video software do you use?

Starting on November 2009, I've swapped for Adobe After Effects / Premiere Pro CS4 (I better like After Effects) which provides a lot of control but with a consequently slower rendering than Movie Plus (see below)

Up to November 2009, I've been using Movie Plus X3 from Serif which is a good and cheap solution. It contains blending modes, Curves, Channel Mixer... like Photoshop, but the documentation is rather targeted at home-users and unfortunately doesn't highlight its more advanced features. Nonetheless, if you are familiar with Photoshop, you might like it. It's a great value for the price. [link]

Some animations are created in flash-file-format with Swishmax 2, which is, again, a good cheap alternative to Flash. [link] (I do own Flash CS4 as well)

One movie was done using Blender which is free but not that easy for movie-editing: [link]

Q: Hey, what is this song in your movie?

Musics in my movies are usually personal compositions, especially created for this purpose. Since they're tailor-made, I can create them to perfectly match the timing of the movie. I've recently started to collaborate with other artists too.

Q: So... what is your music software, then?

I use FL Studio, which is, again, quite a bargain with a very low price and advanced features. Instruments are mostly soundfonts and free VST synths [link]

I've got a piano plugged to my computer, with which I record the notes of every instrument. I don't use "sound loops" (prerecorded instrument lines).

Q: I can't compose music but I'd like to use song X from singer Y

Then I'm afraid that you need to ask an authorization from the musician.

Q: Oh wait, I'm just gonna credit the singer in a note, like: "Song X from Y"

It doesn't matter, you can't use a song without permission.

Q: Oh come on! It's just a home video

It doesn't matter, as long as you make your video public, you simply can't use somebody's else music, period. You don't like when people steal your images, don't you? Well it's the same for music.

Q: Cool... so, I'm gonna buy these ones and do the same

I am happy if this helps. But bear in mind two things:

- I like to use cheap software and push it to the limits, rather than the opposite. Most of the time, the way I edit my files with them isn't very well documented

- When it comes to music, I've got to say that I've followed music lessons for a few years, therefore, if you're an absolute beginner, I would strongly suggest to learn an instrument before starting up.

Hope it helps!