Following on from previous post, we are now going to look at some resources you may need to make that blockbuster video.
Video Resources
You’ll probably want to include some various resources in your movies. You could just use standard text on solid backgrounds, but the use of things like stock photos, video clips, clipart, voiceovers and music adds depth and interest to your videos.
Never, ever grab images or videos from the web and use them in your videos. This is copyright infringement, and could lead to some major legal troubles. It’s not even a good idea to get images from “public domain” image collections, because there is no way to verify with 100% certainty that those images were uploaded by the legitimate copyright holder.
Instead, you must purchase your images and videos from a reputable stock photo agency. There are hundreds of stock photo sites, perhaps thousands if you count the smaller sites that sell images from only one photographer.
Some good resources for stock photos and video clips include:
>> http://www.shutterstock.com
>> http://www.bigstockphoto.com
>> http://www.depositphotos.com
You’ll find that most of these sites has the same basic collection of photos, however ShutterStock and iStockPhoto generally have the widest selection. Additionally, iStockPhoto offers photographers a bonus for exclusivity, so you may be able to find images there that won’t be found anywhere else. Just keep in mind that because iStockPhoto must pay a bonus to photographers for exclusivity, those exclusive photos will be more expensive than the rest of their collection.
Stock Graphics
Photos and video clips aren’t the only thing you can use to jazz up your videos. Stock graphics are also useful, especially things such as icons and cartoon mascots that can be used to draw attention.
Some good places to locate graphics include:
>> http://www.graphicriver.net
>> http://www.graphicsfactory.com
Voiceovers
Perhaps the best place to get inexpensive voiceovers for your videos is through Fiverr. For as little as $5, you can get someone with a great voice to read your script, and then you can take the audio file they deliver and add it to your video.
Music
Just like you should never steal images or videos, you should never steal music for use in your videos. You can’t just use your favorite song without permission. Someone owns the copyright to it. Even if they’ve passed away, someone still owns the copyright. Want to use an Elvis song in your video? You’d better contact Robert Sillerman, the man who bought the rights to Elvis’ music from Elvis’ daughter, Lisa Marie.
Of course, there are stock agencies that sell royalty free music, too. These songs are relatively inexpensive, and they come in a wide variety of genres and styles, so you can almost certainly find the right one for your project. Some places to locate music include: 
>> http://www.freeplaymusic.com
>> http://www.incomptech.com/music/royaltyfree
>> http://www.royaltyfreemusic.com
Final Words
Creating video is actually much easier than you probably think. The newest tools make it incredibly easy to create videos, even if you’ve never made one before. A beginner can take a few photos, an audio clip and some simple text and generate a simple video in just minutes.
No matter what type of video you’re looking to create, you can have it done from start to finish in anywhere from a few minutes to a day. Even complex educational videos are simple to create if you have the right tools.
Keep in mind these simple rules, and you’ll be making great videos in no time:
- Choose the right video type. If you understand the purpose of your video and your target market, this shouldn’t be too difficult.
- Choose the right video creation tool. Remember that some tools are better suited to certain video types than others.
- Choose the right resources. You need interesting photos and video clips, the right stock graphics, and the right music or audio.
Once you understand the basic, creating a video is simple. Just choose a tool, follow its tutorial or step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a video prepared and ready to use before you know it!
If you would like to learn a little more about video creation and using videos on your blog, take a look at the The Video Master Plan. An all in one guide about video creation and why you should be using videos on your blogs.
Take a look here >>>
