Getting Started - film
 Before you start making your 60 Second Shakespeare, make sure you've got all the equipment you need.
To make a film, you will need the following absolute basics:
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A camera
For the best results, we recommend using a Digital Video (DV) camera or camcorder to shoot your 60 Second Shakespeare. Don't use film!
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A computer
Any reasonably new computer should do, whether Mac or PC. Video processing takes a lot of processor power, so the faster the machine, the better. You'll also need a lot of hard-disk storage space, because video files can be very large.
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Firewire cable
This is a cable which allows the camera to communicate with the computer. You won't get far without it!
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Editing software
There are many different editing software packages available, some free, some not. All work in roughly the same way, though some are easier to use than others. The most frequently used packages include:
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Apple Imovie '05. (Mac only) This comes free with new Macintoshes, or is available (for a price) from the . Easy to use, but quite limited.
Windows MovieMaker2. (PC only) This comes free with Windows XP, so if you have a new PC you've probably got it already. If not, you can download it for free from . Easy to use, but quite limited. This is the package used in the video editing tutorials on this site.
Avid. Used widely in the TV industry, a limited version of this package can be downloaded for free from . It can be rather tricky to use though.
Adobe Premiere. A good package, fairly easy to use and very flexible. Not free, but there is a trial version available for a limited time from the website.
FinalCut Pro. (Mac only) A widely used package of professional quality. Rather expensive though. See for more details.
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The following items aren't absolutely essential, but will all improve your film-making.
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A tripod
Tripods range from pretty cheap (about 拢10) to very expensive indeed, but even a cheap one will come in very handy for keeping your shots from wobbling.
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Separate microphone
Cameras have built-in microphones, but they are never as good as plugging in a separate microphone. Not all cameras have a socket for a separate mic, so check first.
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Headphones
For checking that the sound is alright as you do your filming. They can save a lot of disappointment later.
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Digital sound recording equipment
Like a minidisc, DAT or hard disc recording device. Useful for recording sound effects for your film.
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Videoclips
Microphones
Scripts
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Related Links
Best of Drama
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Best of bbc.co.uk
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| * The 大象传媒 is not responsible for the content of external sites. |
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