Be my video Valentine

Make your message interactive

By Rebecca Zamon

February 14 is the international day of love, but for some people — nay, most people — sentimental cards and candy-coated messages of affection just aren’t enough.

This year, make your Valentine interactive with a personalized video recording. “A video message is a great way to create emotional impact,” says Julia Morgan, a writer whose family corresponds by e-mail regularly.

“My cousin in Australia sent out e-mail videos of her two-month-old, and I couldn’t help but be amazed that I had access to see this baby,” she says. “Ten years ago, I would have been lucky to get a videocassette in the mail!”

Before you start shooting, jot down some ideas of what you want to say in your video.

Getting started with your message

Here’s what you’ll need to create your video:

webcam or digital or analog video camera
memory card or tape
PC equipped with Windows Movie Maker
script or shot list
microphone (optional)
props and lighting
recordable DVD
Internet access

Once you know what you want to say, video a message to your loved one.

Creating your video

“It’s always good to have a plan,” says freelance camera operator Brad MacLean, who works for MTV Canada. Figure out the message you want to get across, and get creative. You can even enlist the help of friends and family to make this memorable gift.

Step 1: Get set up
Once you’ve decided on the storyline, create a list of shots and a script. Scout out locations and test your camera with different lighting (natural, bulb, light-emitting diode or LED, etc.). Determine if you can shoot this video yourself or if you need the help of a cameraperson.

Step 2: Get shooting
Plan your shots over a day or two, depending on the settings you need, and enact everything you’ve planned. “Try lots of different takes with different lighting and angles to make sure you have lots of choice and get the best results,” says MacLean.

Step 3: Get editing
Import your footage into Windows Movie Maker for Vista, and include any photographs you want. Use the program’s menu of tools to put your video together. For example:

The timeline feature makes it simple to arrange shots and provides an option for voice narration.
The transitional effect tools (fade-outs, zooms, etc.) help you move from one shot to the next.
Title and credits give the message a polished look.
Soundtracks set the mood. Make your tempo and subject appropriate.

Step 4: Get viewing
Decide how to give the gift. If you’re far away from your sweetheart, then e-mailing the message is probably the best option.

Download photos and video to your computer and put it all together in a romantic masterpiece.

Share the love

You can burn the movie to a DVD with Windows DVD Maker. On the left-hand menu under Publish to, click DVD, follow the prompts to add a title and menu, insert a blank DVD and click Burn. Then do a home theatre presentation, complete with popcorn and Valentine’s Day candy.

The video-sharing site MSN Soapbox provides widespread access to your video. You can also add the video to your blog. In your Windows Live Spaces blog, click Customize > Add modules > Soapbox Video, close the Modules tab and click Save.

Once you’ve completed your cinematic masterpiece, all you have to do is make the popcorn, sit back and enjoy the show.