FLIP Video Tips and Resources

• Our FLIP colleagues from the US have put together resources and tutorials on how to use a FLIP camera most effectively (in English):
  http://www.flipvideospotlight.com/resources/shooting.aspx
• Here are some tips on how to shoot effective videos (in English) http://www.socialbrite.org/2010/05/04/6-tips-for-shooting-effective-web-video
• Radio live und selber machen (in German) http://de.1000mikes.com
• Here you can learn how to produce your own online TV show or how to videoblog! Excellent also with a FLIP camera (in English)http://blip.tvhttp://current.com/participate
• Mobiles in-a-box from the Tactical Technology Collective  is a collection of tools, tactics, how-to guides and case studies designed to help advocacy and activist organisations use mobile technology in their work. Mobile Active has also developed  Web Tutorials for you to use (in English)
  http://mobiles.tacticaltech.org
• The Non Profit Technology Network (NTEN) is a membership organization of nonprofit professionals who put technology to use for their causes. NTEN helps you do your job better, so you can make the world a better place.
  http://www.nten.org

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How can I add subtitles to my FLIP video?
   Unfortunately, the technology available from FLIP to add subtitles is not available. This means you will have to put extra thought into how you will convey your message in English (or German) to our viewers without the use of subtitles. One idea is that you could create an audio track with an interpreter that plays over the top of your speakers. Or you could switch between scenes where your community is speaking to a screen that shows their words translated into English. Please let me know if you have found other solutions to this challenge, and I will happily share them among all of us!
2. I am a bit behind in schedule. Can you delay the FLIP competition due date?
   We are trying to stay on schedule with our competition. The due date for us to receive your FLIP videos is September 15th. If you think you will have problems meeting this deadline, please write to me and explain what challenges you are facing. Keep in mind that you may need a day to upload your film, if your internet connection is slow, so plan accordingly.
3. How long should my FLIP video be?
   Your FLIP video should not be more than 3 minutes long. This length is short enough to keep a viewer's attention but should also be long enough to fit the most important components of your documentary.
4. Can I use other batteries to power my FLIP camera?
   Yes. Besides the FLIP video-AA batteries that were sent to you along with your cameras, you can also use regular AA batteries to power your camera. You may need to change them often, as the camera might use power quickly.
5. Can I use other film editing software to edit my FLIP film? Or am I required to edit my film with the FLIP editing software?
   You are allowed to use whatever software and tools you have at your disposal for editing your FLIP film. The FLIP editing software that is available is good for those who have limited resources, but if you have another program that you like better, please feel free to experiment!
6. In which format should I send you my film?
   We will put all of the videos together on our YouTube channel in a playlist. Therefore, you should simply upload your videos onto YouTube and send us the link to your videos!

• This link tells you more about how to upload your video to YouTube:
  http://www.google.com/support/youtube/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=57924

• This link tells about which movie formats work best with YouTube:
  http://www.google.com/support/youtube/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=55744