My mother is dying from stage 4 cancer. I need some help with a memorial project.
My mother broke her hip a couple weeks back and sadly the cause was metastasized cancer destroyed her hip. We don't know if she has a couple months or closer to a year but the prognosis is very poor either way. She began radiation treatment today.
So I can use some help
I know I could figure a lot of this out if I spent a couple weeks dabbling but as you know my coming weeks are being spent helping my parents out during this difficult time. What time I have for this project I need to spend being productive--I want it done in time for her to enjoy--and not screwing around with 5 software suites, 10 templates, and 40 codecs. You get my point!
What I want to do: Make a "living" memorial / scrapbook in video format. She is only 54 so I want to do something to share her memory, voice, and legacy to her children and her dozen grandchildren, most of which are under the age of 10.
Where I really need help: Software, Templates, and Best Output Options.
Software. I need a video editing / compositing software tool that is robust enough to have quality results but also streamlined and easy enough to use. MovieMaker isn't going to cut it.
Templates. There has to be some "plug and play" templates for this sort of project. Heck, my Moto G4 / Google Photo app this weekend--on its own volition--made a montage movie with fantastic sound and style from our Sunday brunch. I got prompted a new "movie" was available and to my surprise it had made a really cool video in a template.
But I really have no idea where to start looking for something of this sort & compatible with the software I should use. But a classy, thematically appropriate template for:
A mix of video and pictures (slides)
A combo of direct sound from the videos/interviews as well as video with voice over
Voice over/interviews over slides of photographs and scans
Obviously any software can do this but I want a "thematic" template that offers me MUSIC, Sounds, premade "framing" and themes all appropriate for this project.
Source Material: On a less technical level I am looking to use a book or two as a guide. If anyone has a suggestion or feedback that would be great. I will probably get a few and my mother and I will look over them and select which one(s) fit our project goals.
Mom, Share Your Life With Me
300 Questions to Ask Your Parents Before It's Too Late
My Mom - Her Story. Her Words.
We would be using these as a "script" to guide our discussions and interviews we will record.
Background: I have made small videos off and on in Windows Movie Maker for what seems forever--but nothing fancy. I am very software savvy but want something that will make what I am doing easy but with good results.
PC Hardware shouldn't be an issue. 2.8GHz i7, 16GB memory, a 256GB SSD drive and 1TB platter, DVD & BlueRay burner. My laptop is connected to a large second display, so for hardware I think I am good. OS is Windows 10. Right now I am thinking of using my phones (Motorola Moto G4 Plus) for audio recording --
Any recommendations on a wireless microphone?
The phone (just got it) takes quality video indoor and outdoor and I can rig lighting (my wife has done a food recipe/photography blog for a decade) so as there won't be a ton of new video (she just broke her hip)
For those who read this far I am very, very appreciative that you were willing to take the time to consider my request. Even if you cannot give advice your thoughtfulness is appreciate
My mother broke her hip a couple weeks back and sadly the cause was metastasized cancer destroyed her hip. We don't know if she has a couple months or closer to a year but the prognosis is very poor either way. She began radiation treatment today.
So I can use some help
I know I could figure a lot of this out if I spent a couple weeks dabbling but as you know my coming weeks are being spent helping my parents out during this difficult time. What time I have for this project I need to spend being productive--I want it done in time for her to enjoy--and not screwing around with 5 software suites, 10 templates, and 40 codecs. You get my point!
What I want to do: Make a "living" memorial / scrapbook in video format. She is only 54 so I want to do something to share her memory, voice, and legacy to her children and her dozen grandchildren, most of which are under the age of 10.
Where I really need help: Software, Templates, and Best Output Options.
Software. I need a video editing / compositing software tool that is robust enough to have quality results but also streamlined and easy enough to use. MovieMaker isn't going to cut it.
Templates. There has to be some "plug and play" templates for this sort of project. Heck, my Moto G4 / Google Photo app this weekend--on its own volition--made a montage movie with fantastic sound and style from our Sunday brunch. I got prompted a new "movie" was available and to my surprise it had made a really cool video in a template.
But I really have no idea where to start looking for something of this sort & compatible with the software I should use. But a classy, thematically appropriate template for:
A mix of video and pictures (slides)
A combo of direct sound from the videos/interviews as well as video with voice over
Voice over/interviews over slides of photographs and scans
Obviously any software can do this but I want a "thematic" template that offers me MUSIC, Sounds, premade "framing" and themes all appropriate for this project.
Source Material: On a less technical level I am looking to use a book or two as a guide. If anyone has a suggestion or feedback that would be great. I will probably get a few and my mother and I will look over them and select which one(s) fit our project goals.
Mom, Share Your Life With Me
300 Questions to Ask Your Parents Before It's Too Late
My Mom - Her Story. Her Words.
We would be using these as a "script" to guide our discussions and interviews we will record.
Background: I have made small videos off and on in Windows Movie Maker for what seems forever--but nothing fancy. I am very software savvy but want something that will make what I am doing easy but with good results.
PC Hardware shouldn't be an issue. 2.8GHz i7, 16GB memory, a 256GB SSD drive and 1TB platter, DVD & BlueRay burner. My laptop is connected to a large second display, so for hardware I think I am good. OS is Windows 10. Right now I am thinking of using my phones (Motorola Moto G4 Plus) for audio recording --
Any recommendations on a wireless microphone?
The phone (just got it) takes quality video indoor and outdoor and I can rig lighting (my wife has done a food recipe/photography blog for a decade) so as there won't be a ton of new video (she just broke her hip)
For those who read this far I am very, very appreciative that you were willing to take the time to consider my request. Even if you cannot give advice your thoughtfulness is appreciate