Step 1

Our first step is filming the movie. We use a regular camcorder, a Canon ZR45 to be specific. Our tapes can hold about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes each, and our films usually don’t exceed that long, even though we use up to 3 or 4 tapes!

Step 2

Our second step takes a while. When we finish filming, we hook up our camcorder to our computer (a Gateway Windows XP), and capture it into Pinnacle Studio 9, a move-making system that creates professional films. The capturing process takes as long as the tapes or film is.

Step 3

Our third step is usually the longest. In this step, we edit the film, taking out most of it. For example, for “Return to Vegas” we had 2 hours of footage, which was cut down to 49 minutes. This is the way it is for most Hollywood films. We add transitions, titles, and menus in this step.

Step 4

This step also takes a while. This is when we make the movie. We pop in a blank DVD (which can be bought at places like Target, Wal*Mart, Circuit City, etc.), and click ‘Create Disk.’ The movie renders, which takes a very long time, then it compiles, then it burns the disk. When it finishes, it pos out and is ready to watch.

Step 5

This is the most fun and easiest part of the process. You pop the DVD into your DVD player, and watch! There could also be an additional step, Step 6, where you make your own covers. We use (and recommend) Click N’ Design 3D (not ‘After Burner’).

Well, There You Have It!

That’s How We Make A DrumLine Feature Film!