Video

Overview  |  Recommended Software  |  Design Tips  |  Examples  |  Stock Video Databases  |  Equipment Available at UW-Madison

A video is a time-based recording of both the visual and audible components into a single medium. This page focuses mostly on the visual components of videos (see the Audio resources page for specifics about audio).

There are many different kinds of videos that you can create. Below you can find some examples of the common video projects that we work with and a short description:

• Video Blogs or “vlogs” are a form of online journaling that has become popular. These videos are usually simple, lightly-edited, and often use a single camera. The vlogger typically sits in front of and speaks directly to the camera and the audience. Vlogs are posted mostly on YouTube and Facebook, some on Vimeo and other sites, and are generally used as a medium to illicit viewer interaction via comments. Popular video bloggers often monetize their videos/channels in order to make money.
• Video Essays take a writing assignment and add to it by introducing audio and visual components. Much like written essays, video essays are often structured with an outline and present research or craft an argument. This style of video is commonly compared to a short video documentary style, but the goals of a video essay and a video documentary can differ significantly.
• Video Documentaries are non-fiction videos that document an event and/or inform viewers about a subject matter. Motion picture length documentaries are often a genre used to persuade viewers to take action or make change. Some consider these to be the “long form” of video essays, however, we consider documentaries to be their own category.
• Video Slideshows are made up of a collection of images that typically are accompanied by a music or a soundtrack. Some recorded voice may be present in video slideshows, but it is not necessary.
  • Slideshow Voiceover Videos are typically presentations (PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote) with a pre-recorded audio track and timed slides, rather than a live presentation. This genre of video is commonly used for giving presentations and lectures in online courses. We recommend visiting the Presentations page for more about how to design a pre-recorded slideshow.
• Instructional Videos are videos that take a concept or idea and explain it in video form. They can be as simple as a recorded lecture or slideshow voiceover, to as complicated as an animated video.
• Narrative Videos are comparable to a motion picture film, in that they are often fictional and tell stories. They typically include monologue/dialogue, music, and sound effects. They differ from animations by using real people and places.
• Animation Videos are when images or objects are manipulated in a video to appear as though they are moving. Cartoons and stop-motion are two forms of animation. The former typically consists of a series of hand-drawn or digitally created images, whereas the later is the manipulation of objects using short single frames. Animation videos can be fiction (narrative) or non-fiction (video essay or documentary).

Video Design Tip:

There are a lot of things that make up the video planning, recording, and editing processes. It is easy to jump in and get started, but then make mistakes early on that make more work for you in the long run. Get some recommendations for your video by meeting with one of our DesignLab consultants early on in the process, before you record, so you can save yourself time later!

There are many different software programs that can be used to create and edit videos. Below is a list of the software that we recommend for recording, editing, and effects/animation. We put the software in order from easiest to use near the top to most difficult near the bottom for each section. We recommend using a software you know well or learning the software well enough to establish an easy workflow, so you can spend less time troubleshooting and spend more time on your poster. Check out our Software Support page for links to tutorials for all of these programs.

Recording Software

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio: This is a free open source recording and streaming software program that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux machines. You can record your screen, your phone, or record yourself using this software. You can also connect it to YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook for live streaming.

QuickTime: This is a free proprietary recording software program that is available only for Apple products. It is also installed on all the all Mac computer lab machines, both in the labs and for checkout. QuickTime allows you to record from your webcam or a computer connected camera. You can also record all or a part of your screen.

Editing Software

iMovie: This is a free proprietary editing software program that is available only for Apple products. It is also installed on all the all Mac computer lab machines, both in the labs and for checkout. This program is very user friendly and great for the beginner video maker. iMovie has an auto-save function that means you’re less likely to lose your work! However, transitioning a video project folder between computers can be difficult.

DaVinci Resolve: This free editing software is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux machines. While this software is known for color grading and color correction, the latest version provides a full suite of tools for editing, color correcting, mixing, and rendering video. Resolve also includes tools for motion graphics, visual effects, and audio post-production.

Adobe Premiere Pro: This software is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via computer lab machines, in the labs only. This software can be used on both Windows and Apple machines, but needs a strong processor and lots of RAM. Premiere Pro is a step above iMovie, and has a lot more functions and features. Also, using a Creative Cloud account will allow for easy transition from one computer to another.

Final Cut Pro: This is a robust software program that is available only for Apple products. It is installed on select computer lab machines, in the labs only (including those in DesignLab and the Media Studio classrooms). This program is one of the more advanced video production programs on the market. It has lots of functions and features, but has a much steeper learning curve. Similar to iMovie, transitioning a video project folder between computers can be difficult.

Video Effects and Animation Software

Adobe After Effects: This software is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via computer lab machines, in the labs only. This software can be used on both Windows and Apple machines and is meant to be used in conjunction with Adobe Premiere Pro. This program is used to create visual effects and motion graphics. Also, using a Creative Cloud account will allow for easy transition from one computer to another. (Recommended only for advanced video production.)

Adobe Animate: This software is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via computer lab machines, in the labs only. This software can be used on both Windows and Apple machines. Adobe Animate is used to create vector graphics and animations for cartoons, advertisements, games, and other interactive content. Also, using a Creative Cloud account will allow for easy transition from one computer to another. (Recommended only for advanced video production.)

Coming soon