Microsoft Windows Movie Maker For Dummies [Paperback]

Keith Underdahl (Author)

Book Description

Series: For Dummies (Computers) | Publication Date: September 1, 2000

Discover how to edit and share your movies — in a snap!

Sound advice on adding music and voice-overs to your video!

Navigate with ease through Movie Maker's buttons, toolbars, and commands Get a grip on this new video-editing tool with this friendly guide. Inside, you'll find pointers on recording and customizing all kinds of video and sound projects to share with friends and family. These pages are loaded with tips on shooting good video, editing footage from your Web cam, and more.

Discover how to: Buy the right equipment Import photos from your digital camera, scanner, and more Create slide shows Share movies online Organize and store videos on your hard drive

The Dummies Way^™ Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Microsoft Movie Maker is a versatile and friendly digital video editing tool, and Microsoft Windows Movie Maker for Dummies is designed to help any would-be film tycoon use it to rise to power, by using just a PC.

Like other Dummies books, this one is designed from the ground up for easy reading. Each page features sidebars and tips, and every chapter is written with the beginner in mind. An appealing feature of this book is its deliberate avoidance of technical jargon until absolutely necessary. When technical terms are used, they're explained clearly and put into perspective.

Structured into five major parts, Movie Maker for Dummies begins with an introduction to the software and how to use it to record or import video clips, and work with still images and other basics. Sections 2 and 3 talk about production basics: recording video, recording audio, basic editing, adding separate audio and music tracks, and adding credits and titles. Section 4 wraps up production with chapters on screening your work on the Web, tips on e-mailing your movies, and recording movies to tape and CD-ROM.

One of the more valuable sections of the book isn't about Movie Maker at all. Section 5 includes 10 tips from a professional cameraman, such as how to avoid lens flares when shooting, take care of the camera, understand exposure, make the most of camera audio, and choose camera angles. This section also features a list of online resources for getting help and gathering tips on shooting, producing, editing, and screening amateur films.

Self-taught film-director wannabes who have some experience might not find much in the way of useful information, but they won't be using Movie Maker, anyway. Both Movie Maker and Movie Maker for Dummies are aimed at the low-res and home-video crowd, and both are perfectly suited to that audience. Grab your kids and camcorder, 'cause it's "lights, camera, action!" --Mike Caputo

From the Publisher

Discover how to:
Buy the right equipment
Import photos from your digital camera, scanner, and more
Create slide shows
Share movies online
Organize and store videos on your hard drive

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764507419
• ISBN-13: 978-0764507410
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #319,822 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Keith Underdahl has produced professional marketing and kiosk videos and also enjoys hobby moviemaking. He is the author of Adobe Premiere Pro For Dummies and Digital Video For Dummies, 4th Edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great way to learn Movie Maker, May 20, 2001

By 

Brian (Reno, NV USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microsoft Windows Movie Maker For Dummies (Paperback)

When I bought my digital camcorder, I wanted to learn how to quickly get up to speed with Movie Maker so I could share my movies. This author really knows what he's talking about, and it made my life a whole lot easier. This is a "must buy" for anyone who wants to make their own movies in Windows!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Movie Maker for Dummies, June 16, 2009

By 

Lawrence F. Fisher - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Microsoft Windows Movie Maker For Dummies (Paperback)

Book price was outrageously high priced as it was out of print. Information not particularly new or helpful beyond what is provided by on-line searches. Sold on e-Bay for a fraction of my cost and I hope new buyer got what they paid for.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars class material, January 13, 2010

By 

John R. Mckridge - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Microsoft Windows Movie Maker For Dummies (Paperback)

I used this book when I taught how to make movies at the High school and college level. It covers all you need to know, and is easy to read and follow. It covers lighting, framing, camera settings and yes hold it steady. It adds how to change or correct colors, focus, add music, e mail it and much more. It is very informative and easy to follow.Microsoft Windows Movie Maker for Dummies It is out of print now and general average in used book stores is about 25 to 30 dollars for a decent condition book.