A Virtual Worlds, Games and Education Tour

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Week 2 - Screen Capture Software

If you have created Machinima you already have some Screen Capture Software, If you do not you will need to have some.  Check the tabs describing some of the software used most frequently on this Machinima Livebinder http://www.livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit?id=306926.  

Jing is a very inexpensive solution for boht PC and Mac users.  YOu can use the free version, limited to capturing and posting without editing, or for $15. you can download a version that allows you to capture up to 5 minute clips.  Download free Jing here http://www.techsmith.com/download/jing/default.asp.  The Jing site provides great step-by step instructions.  It is worth reviewing the instructions.

On Tuesday meet with your group (groups will be figured out on Monday) to begin capturing some action.  Develop  a simple script with your group/partner (don’t take it too seriously, make it fun) Theme is Aliens and Cowboys - adlibbing is always fun!

  • We will meet Tuesday March 27 in SL at  Machinma City (The Cowboy and Alien site) 7:30 SL time to practice capturing film (new machinimatographers) and to share tips (veteran machinimatographers) 

Task Discussion


  • Gridjumper   March 28, 2012, 1:20 a.m.

    http://youtu.be/19_8nvSK0NU

  • Jerry Buchko   March 28, 2012, 1:53 a.m.
    In Reply To:   Gridjumper   March 28, 2012, 1:20 a.m.

    Fun! :)

  • Kae   March 28, 2012, 2:26 a.m.
    In Reply To:   Gridjumper   March 28, 2012, 1:20 a.m.

    Videos 90 seconds are less can go up our Flickr group - if anyone feels like sharing them! http://www.flickr.com/groups/vwmooc/

  • Gridjumper   March 27, 2012, 11:43 p.m.

    Each group should have some video by now...a little extra is always good.  Make sure everyone has some practice capturing as well as taking the other roles.  once you start combining the video clips you can see which need to be trimmed or eliminated.  Great to have the same event filmed from different angles.

    Be sure to have nametags, pesky notifications, and UI off

    Use the camera to zoom and pan - but not too much

    activate "move mouth when speaking" on in prefs and do some closups - u can dub it in later.

    Taping can be done out of order., and you dont all have to be online to tape.

     

     

  • Gridjumper   March 27, 2012, 1:35 a.m.

    In case you missed the link for the LIvebinder

    http://www.livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit?id=306926

    It is a work in progress and a tool for us all.  Let me know if you have someting to add.

  • Jerry Buchko   March 27, 2012, 10:42 a.m.
    In Reply To:   Gridjumper   March 27, 2012, 1:35 a.m.

    Wow, this is off to a great start! Awesome idea!  yes

  • Gridjumper   March 27, 2012, 11:39 a.m.
    In Reply To:   Jerry Buchko   March 27, 2012, 10:42 a.m.

    I don't think I saw you last night at our meetup.  If you do not have a group to work with please let us know your level in machinma and your timezone preference to work with others.

    1 - Novice - never did machinma

    2 - Some experience with machinima, fiddled with it

    3 - Comfortable with machinima, ready to move to the next level

    If you post here others will team up and let you know their schedules so you can join a group. We need a nice mix of 1s, 2s, and 3s so we can support each other and of course helping others helps you learn!

  • Rosavioletta   March 27, 2012, 4:23 p.m.
    In Reply To:   Gridjumper   March 27, 2012, 1:35 a.m.

    Hi Grid,

    What a fantastic, actually fantastic is not enough, GRANDIOSE  tool you gave us access to!

    It'll take me more than this week to explore it, can't wait!!!

    Thank you! :-D

     

     

  • Rosavioletta   March 27, 2012, 4:23 p.m.
    In Reply To:   Gridjumper   March 27, 2012, 1:35 a.m.

    Hi Grid,

    What a fantastic, actually fantastic is not enough, GRANDIOSE  tool you gave us access to!

    It'll take me more than this week to explore it, can't wait!!!

    Thank you! :-D

     

  • Jerry Buchko   March 28, 2012, 1:51 a.m.
    In Reply To:   Gridjumper   March 27, 2012, 11:39 a.m.

    Hi Grid. I ran a bit late getting to the meetup but did make it in time to go with the group to the Moulin Rouge. I was really impressed by the creativity in the pieces that were shown, as well as with some of the back & forth that was going on in the group. I think I'd like to try attending Machninima Monday for a while to take in a bit more of the scene... it was a really interesting experience.

    I'm a complete novice when it comes to machinima. My first exposure to it was discovering Red vs. Blue some time back; and even then I didn't kow what to call it. I just knew it was really funny ;-)

    I'm in the U.S. Central Time Zone, but honestly I'm a bit hesitent putting myself out there for a group because I don't know if I can commit enough time this week to be of much help to anyone. My original plan was to 'audit' the course this week, making events when I could & trying to keep up with the activity here on the boards.

    But I don't know... do you think I could be useful to a group if I could only offer an hour or two here and there?


     

  • Jerry Buchko   March 28, 2012, 2:54 a.m.
    In Reply To:   Jerry Buchko   March 28, 2012, 1:51 a.m.

    You know, if there's a group that's still shooting, I'd love to try attending the shoot to be able to see & experience one  :-) 

  • Gridjumper   March 28, 2012, 10:13 a.m.
    In Reply To:   Jerry Buchko   March 28, 2012, 2:54 a.m.

    Everyone is still shooting!  If we can't find a group I'll be happy to meet with you at a convenient time and ensure that YOU shoot.  

    It is important to understand all the roles and it will not take long.  In the meantime we are meeting up tonightat the Machinima City site (first place we met - then walk over to the Blogger's hut).  We can share schedules and see if a group is shooting at a conveninet time - you can be an extra.  It is fun to work with a group.

  • Gridjumper   March 28, 2012, 10:40 a.m.
    In Reply To:   Jerry Buchko   March 28, 2012, 1:51 a.m.

    You can experience all the bits necessary for machinima in a short time.  I will be happy to meet with you at a conveninet time to ensure that you know how to capture...the rest takes practice.  

    You may want to get group schedules and visit the groups (perhaps be an extra for each) as they shoot.  Particiating here and there can be helpful to them and to you.  We are meeting this evening to review what we have donse so far and disucss challenges....hop to see you there.  If not DM me and we can set something up or just post to the group and tehy will let you know their schedules.  Glad you have come out of lurking to be a part of the fun.  Can we expect an Epic production at next year's VWBPE EDUmachinima Fest?

  • Gridjumper   March 27, 2012, 1:32 a.m.

    Capture! capture! Capture!

    The list is from  rosavioletta's list (below)...TY Rosavioletta!  I have made my additions based on 1 week timeframe.

     

    BE MACHINIMA EPIC: Key points if your crew is scattered around the globe…

    GROUP

    ·       Work on your group identity - you know who you are, any stragglers please DM me here on P2P so we can group you.

    ·       Find out who prefers to do what - you may not know so everyone should have a try at it all- you don't know what you don't know and you may love it!

    ·       Decide how to communicate: group e-mails, Google doc, Wiki, SL or Skype live meetings- you shuld ahve all freinded eachother in world and follow eachohter here on P2P.  Always good to have friends!

    ·       A dropbox will help transfer heavvy files - someone asked about this, or just keep the files small.  We are going for epically small in this case - it is only a week!  Remeber thatthey sell cars in 60 seconds - less can be more.

    STORY

    ·       Create story starting from core scenes - wing it, aliens and cowboys theme

    ·       Organize your work

     

    LOCATIONS

    ·       Find locations - you have an amazing location, no need to go hunting

    ·       Ask for permissions asap - you already have it, remember to credit in the film

    ·       When on location take snapshots to best define camera angles  

    ·       Prepare set decorations

    ACTORS

    ·       Start casting asap - Your group can take turns

    ·       Practice animations: gestures and facial expressions - keep it simple and have fun

    ·       Practice dialogues  - It's a week, adlibbing is fine

    Time to CAPTURE - Use any of the SW capture pkgs you may have or get Jing Cheap! http://www.techsmith.com/jing.html

    Remove HUDS, UI buttons (suggestions on notecard you got)

    Get rid of the nametags -  in prefs

    make lots of short clips.

    Play! take turns! use different angles!  some closeups are nice.  Make sure Voice is on and prefs set to mouth moving so your avi looks like they are talking.

    That's enoguh for task2.

    I will be on late tuesday for anyone who needs step by step on how to use Jing or any other Questions.  Same spot!  Our Machinima set ( I may be in alien form)

  • Rosavioletta   March 29, 2012, 6:18 p.m.
    In Reply To:   Gridjumper   March 27, 2012, 1:32 a.m.

    Thank YOU Grid for expanding my checklist towards minimization of time ;.)!!  we only have a week so I went for a tiny contribution...

    Was filming last night and I'm reading the forum posts while uploading - it takes quite a while - my first  "solo" edited minute. Please do let me know if credits are appropriate.

    I tried to keep on the alien side as far as possible but then got carried away by "winged-inspiration"...;-)))

     

  • Anonym   March 26, 2012, 11:26 p.m.

    Looking for Aly. Carl, Izzy Lotus, Aly and Penelope are a Machinima group and I managed to get everyone but Aly notified of our meeting time because I didn't have her last name and she had logged off (or crashed as I did Twice!). Aly, if you get this, please reply. We will be meeting 5:15 SLT at the set we first met at on Monday. Thanks!

  • alysyn   March 27, 2012, 7:32 p.m.
    In Reply To:   Anonym   March 26, 2012, 11:26 p.m.

    Hi Penelope!  I will try to make it, my computer has some crashes to get fixed due to me deleting files that I didn't need to :(  My SL name is Aly Warrior

  • alysyn   March 27, 2012, 7:33 p.m.
    In Reply To:   Anonym   March 26, 2012, 11:26 p.m.

    Hi Penelope!  I will try to make it, my computer has some crashes to get fixed due to me deleting files that I didn't need to :(  My SL name is Aly Warrior

  • alysyn   March 27, 2012, 7:34 p.m.
    In Reply To:   Anonym   March 26, 2012, 11:26 p.m.

    I will try to make it. My computer is doing strange things today!  I am Aly Warrior in sl

  • alysyn   March 27, 2012, 7:35 p.m.
    In Reply To:   Anonym   March 26, 2012, 11:26 p.m.

    I will try to make it in tonight. My computer is doing strange things. I am Aly Warrior in sl.

  • alysyn   March 27, 2012, 7:36 p.m.
    In Reply To:   Anonym   March 26, 2012, 11:26 p.m.

    My computer is messing up so not sure if I will make it. I am aly warrior in sl.

  • Gridjumper   March 26, 2012, 2:55 p.m.

    Thank you for this!   Looks Awesome.  I am sure that participnats wil find this useful - I plan to incorporate into what I do.

    Learning is a social endeavor for most of us and I look forward to furthering my knowledge in participating with you all.

  • Rosavioletta   March 26, 2012, 5:01 a.m.

    Hi all,

    Hoping it might be useful to some I'm posting here the content of a notecard I prepared for my audience at the VWBPE conference, where I presented  my experience on machinima making for educational purposes.

     I worked as an EFL teacher and before that a tutor-facilitator. Now I'm finding great enjoyment in independently designing a module to teach Italian, my mother tongue, online with all the unveiling of virtual worlds it involves: indeed  an "epic educational adventure" ;-D

    Here's also the link to the conference slides and - almost at the end - you'll find the url of my first production, a restaurant conversation in Italian.  http://www.slideshare.net/TinkererAngel/be-epic-learn-how-to-make-machinimas-from-scratch-in-five-weeks

    I look forward to receiving your comments - a new learning experience is bound to be progressively enriched  - and even more to meeting you to film together! 

     

    Angela:-:Rosavioletta in SL :-)

     

    BE MACHINIMA EPIC: Key points if your crew is scattered around the globe…

    GROUP

    ·       Work on your group identity

    ·       Find out who prefers to do what

    ·       Decide how to communicate: group e-mails, Google doc, Wiki, SL or Skype live meetings

    ·       A dropbox will help transfer heavvy files

     

    STORY

    ·       Create story starting from core scenes

    ·       Organize your work

     

    LOCATIONS

    ·       Find locations

    ·       Ask for permissions asap

    ·       When on location take snapshots to best define camera angles  

    ·       Prepare set decorations

     

    ACTORS

    ·       Start casting asap

    ·       Practice animations: gestures and facial expressions

    ·       Practice dialogues

     

    BEFORE FILMING

    ·       Number snapshots with best camera angles

    ·       Share the numbered snapshots  with the cameramen/women to easily assign positions when shooting

    ·       CTRL + ALT + F1  to have a clean screen to capture

     

     

    AFTER FILMING

    ·       Make a copy of all the filmed material and store away: WORK ON COPIES!

    ·       Compress files and share in communal dropbox

     

     

    EDITING

    ·       Save audio separately then add it

    OR

    ·       EDIT AUDIO AND SOUND TOGETHER  -  EASIER IF YOU HAVE LIPS MOVEMENT and you are just starting

    ·       Add music

    ·       Always credit other people’s work contributions: LAND OWNERS, MUSICIANS, ACTORS, FILMING CREW…

    ·       Upload on dropbox for group to see before making work public

     

    SHARING

    ·       Upload on video sharing web site  

     

    ENJOY!

  • Kae   March 27, 2012, 7:54 p.m.
    In Reply To:   Rosavioletta   March 26, 2012, 5:01 a.m.

    Thank you so much for putting this up - I missed your session because I was moderating at a different one.

  • kimmer   March 28, 2012, 12:07 p.m.
    In Reply To:   Kae   March 27, 2012, 7:54 p.m.

    I am new to machinima other than viewing them and have been absent!  Is it too late to catch up?  I am familiar with Jing for photo/ screen capture... 

  • Gridjumper   March 28, 2012, 12:13 p.m.
    In Reply To:   kimmer   March 28, 2012, 12:07 p.m.

    OH no!  Never too late.  We are meeting tonight

    If you like we can stay after and do a little machinima screen capturing after the meetup.  There may be another couple of stragglers or lurkers wanting to join.  Maybe a new group will be made?

  • kimmer   March 28, 2012, 12:15 p.m.
    In Reply To:   Gridjumper   March 28, 2012, 12:13 p.m.

    Count me in :) Just tell me time and SLURL -- thanks so much!

  • Gridjumper   March 28, 2012, 12:21 p.m.
    In Reply To:   kimmer   March 28, 2012, 12:15 p.m.

    at It's the Blogger Saloon of  Social Network  Knowledge Construction on EdTech Island http://slurl.com/secondlife/EdTech/185/179/24/

    Tonight 3/28 at 5:30 SL time.   In the meantime take a look at the tasks for Week 2 and the responses.

  • kimmer   March 28, 2012, 12:24 p.m.
    In Reply To:   Gridjumper   March 28, 2012, 12:21 p.m.

    Got it! :)