This website is different than many that I have come across. It allows the user to choose characters, backgrounds, etc. and the dialogue. The website then takes the text and matches it up with the cartoonish characters mouth and creates a movie for you. This could be a great option for classrooms that do have the budget for digital cameras.
This could be used in any grade level. however a greater amount of training would be required for younger grade levels.
This website is another resource my students use on a regular basis. It contains many great sound effects, sound bites, etc. that they can use free of charge in their videos.
This website could be used in any grade level.
This website is another great example of another high schools video production program. This is also one of the first ones that I came across years ago and have been following ever since. This school is based out of the Seattle area and has won multiple awards for their videos. This site has inspired a number of projects in my classroom. It also contains many good example videos and resources.
This website is great for the person that would like to make a dynamic video slideshow. Animoto takes your photos and arranges them to the beat, rhythm, etc. of the song of your choice. Great for any student who would like to create a professional looking slideshow in a fraction of the time.
Getting files into the right format is a big deal in video production. Many formats are not accepted in the software we use (adobe premiere , etc.). Before importing some files may need to be converting to an adobe friendly format. Zamzar allows users to upload the file and will send them a copy in their email.
This is a good resource for students to check for quick information when researching actors, films or directors.
Con: some of the content is user driven and therefore may not be able to be trusted
This a great resource for schools or classrooms that don't contain video editing software. As far as online video editing goes this is as good of an option as you are going to find. Students and teachers can sign up for an account and be up and editing in no time. The site contains many tutorials for how to use the online software.
Students spend a good deal of time looking for the right audio sound effect to accompany their videos. The right sound effect can greatly enhance any film. This website contains a number of free sound effects the student can download and insert into their videos.
The Phantom cam is a camera that can record at speeds other camera can't even come close to. This website is great for introducing students to the phantom cam and the world of slow motion film.
Before a student is allowed to film they must first complete the planning process of a treatment, script and a storyboard. Storyboard Pro is a great freeware software that helps students with the creation of their storyboards. This website contains a number of tutorials to help students get started with the software. This could be used in grades 6 and up.
Con: some schools may not allowed this to be downloaded and installed on student computers
This website is dedicated to help those students that are interested in creating films using a DSLR on a budget. First off, DSLR's are not cheap. After getting over this hump students should then be able to take advantage of all of the great advice 5D film making has to offer.
A good place to start with this website is by clicking on tutorials at the top of the site. This website is more geared towards high school students.
HTV magazine is a great resource for students interested in possibly pursuing the video production field. HTV Magazine is made up of 20 junior and senior students that are selected by broadcast advisers each year. These students write the articles as well as create the videos that make up the HTV website.
This website is a collection of videos created by the students of Mariemont High School. Watching these video might spark an idea for another teachers classroom. Videos are broken up by school year and contain a number of different topics.
Soundation is a powerful online music studio with recordings, effects, virtual instruments and over 400 free loops and sounds. This is another great option for those student more interested in the audio side of video production.
Geared more towards high school students, but could possibly be used in lower grades with a small amount of training.
This is a great resource that covers all assets of video production. I find that a number of my students come across this resource on their own every year when studying for quizzes or needing a quick refresher on any given topic. Contains many great photos and examples as well. Quizzes are available for teachers who would like to take advantage of that option.
This is a good resource for the teacher who would like their class to create a video slide show of various images. This might be a better option than using Windows Movie maker for some teachers. Students can access their video at home whether they have a PC or a Mac.
This could be one option for teachers who are looking for a way to have their students post their videos online. Videos can be shared only with select people. The player could be posted on a classroom website and the video shown on it can be driven by what is submitted by the students. You can set security features so the videos won't be seen by the public.
I would keep this resource limited to students in the high school level.
This website includes a great introduction to the film making process. Its broken up in to easy to navigate sections such as scripting, storyboarding, etc. Can be used in classrooms anywhere between grades 6-12.
Cons: site contains advertisements.
Grade Level: 6-12
This is quite possibly my favorite go to website in my collection. I have been using this resource since my first day of teaching. Not only does this website offer a number of great assignments and resources, but the teacher is also quick to respond to any questions you might send his way. My first year teaching I came across this website and was in pretty regular contact with this teacher for the first couple months. I learned a solid foundation from his resources.
