The trials of making a book trailer!

[Linda LaRoque]

The last few days have been a real learning experience for me. I've spend hours making a video, trying to get everything just right. First my timing messed up so my tiles overlaped.

Then there is the music. Where do you find the perfect song to add for the background? When you find it, how do you cut it to end with the video?

And pictures. I searched a lot of the free royalty image sites, but when I get ready to download there is the mention of credits. I have no credits. How do I get them? Money of course. I admit there are a few sites where they are actually free, but I couldn't find everything I needed there.

I got an account at fotolia. A dollar a picture. That's not bad. So, with my paypal account I buy 30 credits. I download six pictures and notice I only have 4 credits left. How can that be? For the smallest size, they're all a dollar each, right? I double check and the cowboy I downloaded was 20 credits. TWENTY DOLLARS!!! And he needs a shave and a haircut. My husband and son have made rude remarks about him all week.

As a last resort, I went through my personal picture files and found three pictures I'd taken myself. From now on I plan to have my camera with me in case I see something I might someday want in a video. I tried to get my son to dress up like a cowboy for a picture but he wasn't interested.

I've trashed two trailers. Tonight I'll make the third and hope it's a charm. Good luck out there making yours. Thank you all who've offered advice, recommended sites, etc. Hopefully some of your tech savvy will wear off on me.

Linda

[Sandy]

Much better, Linda. I believe you have it right this time. Still would like to see a picture of the villain.
Sandy

[Lorna Allan, Auckland New Zealand]

Its great Linda! I see you need to be a jack- sorry Jill of all trades. Your book sounds really interesting. What a great story line!
Well done you!
kindest
Lorna

[Linda LaRoque]

If I find a villian picture I like, I'll pop it in there. Finding pictures is a job. Thanks for looking.

Linda

[Linda LaRoque]

Thanks, Lorna. I learn something new everyday, but darn it, technology stays 5 years ahead of me and I can't catch up. Glad you like the story line. I enjoyed writing it.
Linda

[Lorna Allan, Auckland New Zealand]

Yes Technology stays somewhat ahead of me however I do enjoy the challenge! Will definately be looking for your book after my trip!

Cheers
Lorna

[Charlotte Chalmers]

Good job, Linda. Hair-tearing out time is over!!! It's excellent!
xx

[Maureen]

Send me a private message and explain in detail what U are trying to say with the music and I think I can help U with what U are saying about credits.

[Aithne Jarretta]

Hi Linda,

Thanks for the friendship. Love seeing another Rose here. :o)

About your trailer. I think it looks good for your first. $20 cowboy. Now that's a title. Don't worry about everything. Once learned you won't forget and the next trailer will be easier. ;o)

If you want to fix the over lap in the words, pull up your file and then look for the timeline button. Then hit the zoom icon a few times and the spacers showing images will spread out. That's where you can adjust the timing of each image. You have plenty of room to expand, Previw the Book recommends trailers no longer than 2 min. So you have room to lengthen the time each image appears. That'll help make your words fit.

Check out my Concentric Circle trailer here at WRDF. It took me more than a week to finally get the timing, but it's the best one I've done so far.

Good Luck and hang in there. You are doing wonderful.


Aithne

[Linda LaRoque]

Hi Aithne,
Thanks for looking at my trailer. I have a newer one now and as you said, things are getting easier. I don't have as many overlaps or they're much shorter. I saw your Concentric Circle trailer and it's very nice. I love your other cover too. I appreciate your words of encouragement.

Linda
Linda

[Aithne Jarretta]

Thanks for you complements.

"...words of encouragement."


You're Welcome. It's just that I know what it's like to work so hard on somthing and end up thinking frustration is the only success.

Each step of the proccess is a learning experience. Then we finally sit back and look at the end product knowing it wasn't there before. ;o) Creating is Awesome!

Have a good night.

Aithne