Audio on a Mac (Intermediate):
My church records the sermon each week and offers it for sale at the end of the service. How can they do that? Here’s how.
First we record the sermon (first service) straight into an Apple Powerbook using a Griffin iMic connected to the main audio mixer. You can hook up a microphone from a mic at the podium or have the sound person hook it into the house sound. I use GarageBand to do all the recording.
After the sermon is over I simply burn it to a CD using the built in Superdrive. Then I duplicate this “master” 5 at a time using a CD Duplicator from www.produplicator.com . Duplicators run around $500 for a 16X five burner. I print out labels from Neato (get the glossy ones) and put in a sleeve. So by the time the second service rolls around I’ve burned enough to meet the demand for CD’s for the second and the third services.
As an alternative – you can stream these sermon, messages, association meetings, bat mitzvahs, etc. to the web. I use Loudblog by loudblog.de . This is an excellent tool for posting audio on the web. It’s free and it’s designed to playback from the web and via podcast subscription.
What’s that? You’re not religious? Well there are plenty of meetings, weddings, speeches, lectures, concerts, lessons and gigs just waiting to be recorded. Ask permission first and offer the first one for free. You’re looking for repeat business here. If you do a freebe make sure it’s for someone with a big mouth and a fat Rolodex.
Video on a Mac (Advanced – but not too):
OK – you got a nice little side biz doing print and audio for your local association(s). Now we take it into high gear and offer Video! By now you’re a pro so let’s jump in.
With iMovie you can create some fantastic videos for your local organizations and businesses. You’ll need a miniDV camera or you can borrow one. If you don’t have access to a camera you can use digital photos. Either way we are going to create an engaging music video.
What to shoot? Many associations have a yearly picnic or awards banquet. My hobby club has a yearly event. Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, Divorce Parties (no – really), and Sweet Sixteen parties are perfect for a music video keepsake.
Why a music video and not a full production? If you’re up to it and you have all the gear (mics, lights, tripod, etc) and time (figure 1 hour per edited minute) and skills (intro, story arch, graphics, extro, etc) then by all means. But I’m showing you a quick and easy way to make a buck or two. Walk first, then run.
I import all my photos using iPhoto (included free with you Mac) and I import all my video using my camera hooked up via firewire and iDive by www.aquafadas.com . I use iDive because it keeps me organized and I can quickly select the best takes using iDive’s shot view feature.
You can easily add photos from iPhoto to iMovie and video from iDive just as easily. I usually edit to a soundtrack. Selecting a soundtrack can be tricky. There are very little options if you want to stay completely legal. I use two sources. One is SonicFire Pro by SmartSound.com . SomicFire lets you pick the style, tempo and length of your music – all instrumental. For vocal music you can check out music.podshow.com . The Podsafe Music Network (PMN) offers what they call “Podsafe Music.” The music is first rate and you can communicate directly with the bands and arrange to use their music.
Music videos are generally 3-4 minutes in length. For longer events I string 2-3 songs together. Great music and creative use of slo-motion and dissolves (fades between images) will give your video emotional impact. I suggest leaving photos on the screen for 5-6 seconds and use the Ken Burns effect to keep the images moving – slightly. Don’t use a lot of fancy transitions. Use what you see on TV. Cuts and Dissolves. Maybe an occasional page turn or wipe but how often do you see that on TV. Want to look pro? Do what they do on TV.
You want HOW MUCH?
What to charge is always an interesting question. For me it has varied greatly with no rhyme or reason until lately. A good friend who does graphic design said he charges what would make the job worth it to him. I like that. Some jobs are not worth taking no matter what the price – those I charge accordingly! Some jobs are so exciting and new that I’ll adjust my price accordingly. What to charge? Simply ask for what it would take to make it worth your while. If you spend $100 on Pages and $50 on a template and 5 hours and 3 print cartridges your costs add up. Make sure you factor in your costs.
So there are three ideas of how to generate some extra cash. If you noticed, I emphasized ideas that will appeal to organizations and associations. It seems that these groups are always looking for good, inexpensive resources and you just may fit the bill. Good luck!
Perry Lawrence is a professional videographer and editor of http://www.appleweek.com.