Machinima is more complex than it looks. This Guide isn't about script writing or story boards, but rather about the data transfer and video editing.
This section is Designed for Windows Based PC users. LINUX and MAC users Sorry
Tools you will need.
1. Computer
2. DVD Recorder/burner
3. Video Editing Software
4. Mics
5. Sound Recording software
6. *optional* Media Center Enabled PC
Step 1: Recording Audio
Like reqular animation the audio is the first thing that needs to be done. To do this you need a mic. All Windows OS have a Sound recorder. In XP click Start and pull up the program list. In Accessories in the Entertainment section there is a Sound Recorder. It is able to record up to a minute of audio. It will save it in WAV format. This Minute of recorded audio should be enough for a scene or one person's dialog at a time. Record what each character says and store it.
Step 2: Recording Video
Before starting this step keep your Audio clips handy to make it easier to sync the character movement to the recorded audio. While doing this start recording with your DVD recorder, DVR, TiVo, or Media Center Enabled PC.
*Media Center Users*
Don't not try to play the game through the Computer because of the relay time between the reaction of the Control and the action on the monitor. Running The Game on a split Co-Axel so it plays on the TV and on the Monitor will solve this problem.
Then take the Disc with the recorded Footage to your computer and copy the data to you hard drive (hope you have plenty of Space).
*Media Center Users*
You have it easier because you can Burn right away into WMV format which is easier to edit with. But you still need to transfer the Data to a DVD/CD and Then back to the computer to get it out of the Windows Media Center.
And if you want to record a PC Game then here is a niffty little program to capture Video. GAMECAM. go to PlanetGameCam.com to download it.
Step 3: Editing
Windows is nice because most of the time you have a simple Video editing program called WINDOWS MOVIE MAKER. Once you have found the program you have to IMPORT the desired footages. Windows Movie Editor will take a few minutes to segment the Imported Video into many random SCENES/PARTS. At first this might be a pain, but it turns out it is easier to edit tons of small sections then one Huge One. With WINDOWS MOVIE MAKER the audio will be shown right below the Thumb Nail of the Video clip you have in your Video. Simply Right click and mute it. Then you can Copy and Paste your recorded audio and your MACHINIMA is FINISHED!
*STEP 4: UPLOADING* Optional
Now that your Machinima is Finished it is time to SHOW IT TO THE WORLD!
Uploading is a bit of a trick because File size and hosts are hard to come by.
So try.
www.megaupload.com
Up loading is now done!
*STEP 5: PUBLISHING* Optional
Okay your Machinima is finished and uploaded but you still have a problem no one knows of it. There are a number of websites that will be willing to Host or show your Master piece for a simple price of a FREE Membership.
Here are some Recommendations:
http://www.gametrailers.comhttp://www.machinima.com/index.phphttp://www.animemusicvideos.org (if your machinima is using a Japanese/Korean/Anime Based Game)
And Yes I have published Machinima Videos Before so I have known what I am talking about.
If this is helpful Please Tell me.
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