By Leslie Rule

It seems like an overwhelming task to learn how to make compelling video projects. And it is, but not because of the technology. Learn these five tasks and it is, literally, a done deal.

1.  Getting media into your project (assumes you already have your media)
a. Understand how the import process is organized
b. Define naming conventions

2.  Refine the Media
a.  Cut or Trim Video
b.  Shorten/lengthen images’ time on screen
c.  Adjust volume and length of audio track

3.  Ordering the timeline
a.  Change position of audio and video clips on the timeline (drag and drop)
b.  Understand “editing time.”  (All media is counted in hours, minutes, seconds, and frames (30 frames to a second).
c.  Use transitions (drag and drop)

4.  Create a title (drag and drop)
a.  Choose font and color
b. Check spelling

5.  Export the movie
Choose the appropriate format, depending on what platform (email, YouTube, CD/DVD) your audience will use to access the piece

P.S. Knowing how to do it doesn’t necessarily mean that you know how to do it well, but it does necessarily mean that you can learn to do it well….it only takes practice. Finally, you simply must believe that you can do it!