Microsoft Windows Movie Maker For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers))
Microsoft Movie Maker is a versatile and friendly digital video editing  tool, andMicrosoft Windows Movie Maker for Dummiesis 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 termsareused, they're explained clearly and put into perspective.Structured into five major parts,Movie Maker for Dummiesbegins 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 andMovie Maker for Dummiesare 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