Once you’re comfortable with that, you can expand to the other programs. I’d suggest getting some reading material or attending a class on them, solely because their interfaces are varied and contain a multitude of options and features which can occasionally be confusing if just trying to use it out of the box.

For creating a Trailer specifically, go to your local book store or library and get a few books on film and its creation. You’re looking for involving just enough information to get the audience interesting, but short enough not to reveal the entire plot. Try to keep some of the major scenes out of it, or use them sparingly. No scene/shot in the trailer should be longer than 3-4 seconds, don’t include any long monologues, and put in some exciting scenes or funny ones to keep the audience enticed. Usually following the dramatic through line (_____ needs to do_____ to achieve ______) is a surefire way to get your point across.

Also, make sure and include some music in the background to keep the pace up. becuase you could have a slow scene included in the trailer but intense music makes it seem faster and more involved. There are a nubr of companies out there that offer royalty free music to be able to use in any trailer. They’re expensive though and usually you need to prove you’re part of a video publishing house or professional videographer to be able to attain them. But any royalty free music will do, and it’s even better if you can create your own. If it’s being shown publicly and you’re using your favorite Beatles song, expect to get hit with a lawsuit quickly if you’re intending on selling any tickets without giving them a cut. Privately, it’s a bit easier to get away with that, but well known songs sometimes take away from the intensity of the trailer, and people focus on the great song instead.

Beyond that, make sure the trailer comes in at under 1:30 or 2:00, and that you include not only the actors involved (as an Actor myself, this is VERY IMPORTANT) as well as the director (possibly the writer) and the director. Also any other flavor text or bump cards that may be necessary to tie the scenes together may be useful, and can be inserted to keep the pacing up.

Lastly, a release date and a final title card with everyone involved listed makes it look professional.

If you have any other questions, you can find a college application for USC Film school on-line, and make sure you have god transcripts. ;-)

~JYH

Second, no one in their right mind would use this crap program for doing anything professionally or semi-professionally. If I was caught using this at my job, i would be afraid of getting fired, if not chatised for wasting company time on poor interfaced, non graphical utilities like this crapware. If you are wanting to do movie trailers, even short ones that aren’t professional, use somehting like Adobe Premiere Elements for PC or iMovie for Mac. I know this product can’t even touch any of the projects I create with either of those programs. Can this add in effects wihtin the transitions or gaphically demo how certain effects or color keying will work with your finished project? NO. WAY. IN. HELL.

Fir what the guy explained above, and the project his friend needed to do, spending 90 Dollars (or hell, even pirating a copy) for Adobe Premiere Elements would’ve at least prevented the hours of frustration I’m sure she had with Media Coder.

I know my products, and this one isn’t even worth the comment I’m writing.

~JYH

Besides, the article helps me and everybody that have felt overwelmed by the complex Mediacoder interfase.

The application is amazing but you need some guidance to avoid discourage. Specially finding the “join” option :).

You should first know the product before having an opinion: in other words, don’t have prejudices…
THXs.

Plus i have no experience with the program mentioned here but from what i read, and see from the screenshots, it’s basic. The very idea of having to explain this program to someone is laughable. I suggest Sony Vegas Pro at 600 dollars you know you are getting the industry best and it doesn’t let you down.

~JYH