How to Create an End-of-Year Movie in iMovie

You can create end-of-the-year slide shows of the pictures you have taken of your students in either Powerpoint or iPhoto, but you have more control and can be much more creative using iMovie. Using iMovie, you can add what is called the “Ken Burns Effect” to the photos which is a zooming tool that makes the show incredibly watchable (if not overused). You can then burn the movie to a DVD for an unforgettable and rather inexpensive (about $1 each) present for each student. I have been doing this for about 6 years and it is always a big hit with both parents and students.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Apple computer
• iMovie application

1. Open iMovie and create a "New Project." iMovie should already be on your computer if it is relatively new.
2. Before you import any photos of your students or school functions, go to "Media" and click on "Photos" then "Photo Settings." By adjusting these settings before you import you can be assured that the photos will all import with these settings. I usually find that five seconds is a good length for each picture to be on the screen. You should also make sure that the "Ken Burns Effect" box is unchecked. You will be applying the "Ken Burns Effect" individually to each picture later.
3. To import photos go to the file menu and select "Import" and find the photos you wish to import. You can select multiple photos by holding down the "Shift" key and selecting them.
4. The photos will either be imported directly into the movie (towards the bottom) or onto the shelf (on the right side) depending on your settings in the preferences.
5. Drag the photos down to the movie and put them in any order you like.
6. Place transitions (fades) in between the pictures.
7. You can then burn the movie to a DVD, export it as a Quicktime movie to email out to people, or post on channelme.tv