How can I make a promo video.

[Big-Louis-1971]

people I need to make a promo video to promote my Ebay listings. I plan to upload it to Youtube. I have no idea about how to make a promo video and I was hoping to find some good ideas here. I was hoping that some of you know where to get some kind of template to start my promo video. Thanks in advance for any help, it is always greatly appreciated.

[jagabo]

Given your lack of knowledge, experience, and equipment -- hire somebody who knows what they're doing.

[Big-Louis-1971]

Is just that I don't have a big budget but I have a lot of time instead. I don't think the video will be that complicated. The name of the product on fire, exploding or in ice and melting.

[budwzr]

You're going to need a particle simulator. Try HitFilm Ultimate.

[filmboss80]

Is it even necessary? How is this going to to look more persuasive to buyers than a good product photo? Remember the K.I.S.S. rule.

[jagabo]

Adobe After Effects?

[Big-Louis-1971]

Is it even necessary? How is this going to to look more persuasive to buyers than a good product photo? Remember the K.I.S.S. rule.

I will definitely include some pictures but I would also like some effects to make the video more dramatic.

[TreeTops]

Start simple. Try windows movie maker. If you can master that then try the big boys toys like Vegas or Adobe After Effects. We don't know your level of experience. All video editing programs require a learning curve. Some require a steep learning curve with lots of experience using them.

[smrpix]

First determine your message.

Watch other people's promo videos. Find what you like and don't like. Analyze the ones you like carefully in terms of rythm, effects, message, etc.

Then do something that none of the rest of them have done so yours can be unique.

That's assuming you have the basic talent.

[poisondeathray]

There are 1000's of customizable templates (mostly after effects) at videohive.net . At least looking at them will help refine some of your ideas, maybe give you some new ideas

But if you "don't have a big budget", and only have time, I can't seeing you using any software like after effects

A free option would be blender, but it's a quite a big learning curve. Get ready to spend lots and lots of time, but there are many free tutorials and a helpful blender community

[smrpix]

Is just that I don't have a big budget but I have a lot of time instead. I don't think the video will be that complicated. The name of the product on fire, exploding or in ice and melting.

Are you trying to promote a product that spontaneously combusts or freezes when you're using it?

[Big-Louis-1971]

Not really but I wanna use a metaphor and compare the fire with the likeness of the product. Like the following: "Our movies are hot like a burning fire", and present some text or a DVD image burning in fire. Or something like that. Any ideas?

[budwzr]

Like this? But slicker, and with a catchy beat, right?

http://files.videohelp.com/u/135518/Fire.mp4

[Big-Louis-1971]

That's exactly the basic idea but something a little more elaborate. I think that I'll try blender.

[poisondeathray]

Not really but I wanna use a metaphor and compare the fire with the likeness of the product. Like the following: "Our movies are hot like a burning fire", and present some text or a DVD image burning in fire. Or something like that. Any ideas?

Are you selling DVD's / movies ?

It might be a stretch, but 2 reasons why this might raise negative connotations :

1) "burn" in this context might imply lower quality "burned" with a laser. Not factory pressed. Are you selling an inferior "burned DVD" product ?

2) "hot" might imply authenticity issues - black market, non legit or stolen DVD's . Are you selling "hot" DVD's ?





If you want it to look good, you're looking at incorporating 3D elements into this promo. That's usually another program like 3DSMax, Maya, Cinema4D etc... They are expensive. "Plain" 2D motion graphics just doesn't cut it in today's age (might have been ok 4-5 years ago) . Blender can do it, but big learning curve.

If you're doing this for a learning experience, fine. But I agree with jagabo and my strong opinion is just hire some guy to do it. Time is money. Probably take you 10-20 hours just to learn just the basics in one of those programs. Realistically , it will take you 100's of hours before you become semi-proficient at it. You're way better off working those hours at your real job or even a minimum wage job . Seriously. Freelance guys aren't that expensive, and you can find motion graphics students that will do the job for even cheaper. Some will do it for free if you allow them to use the work in their C.V. or demo reel

[WrapArizona]

Is it even necessary? How is this going to to look more persuasive to buyers than a good product photo? Remember the K.I.S.S. rule.

I will definitely include some pictures but I would also like some effects to make the video more dramatic.

If you are thinking that "low budget" b-movie style effects created by an amateur are going to add drama to your presentation, you are most like incorrect.

Unless you are willing to hire someone to create the video, I would go with the photo that was suggested.

To get your ROI on the video, you can make it generalized and try to sell a lot of the same thing?