Tips on How to Create a Holiday Video Card

While holiday photo cards are a nice way to celebrate the season, they’re not without their drawbacks. You’re faced with the arduous task of finding which photo to use and then are forced to pay a bundle to print them. Create a holiday video card instead. It’s a free, totally DIY way to celebrate the season — and it might just bring your family closer together.

Sound good? Read on for a few tips on how to make a holiday video card that will knock your loved ones’ snowflake sweaters right off.

Plan your shoot

Before you start rolling, get the family together to brainstorm and map out the scenes. You might act out a scene from a holiday movie, throw a winter dance party, or capture the family decorating the house (or each other).

Get the basics right

Make sure you have enough light and think of how you’ll frame your shots. Your video will be less mirthful and joyous if it’s too dark to see what’s happening, or if you cut off grandma’s head.

Three legs are better than two

If you have a tripod, break it out. Not only will it allow whoever is behind the camera to join the fun in front, but it will also result in steady shots and make you look like a complete pro.

‘Tis the season to be tuneful

What’s a holiday video card without holiday music? Boring, that’s what. Vimeo Music Store (http://vimeo.com/musicstore) enables anyone to easily search, download, and license holiday-themed music.

The gift that keeps on giving

When you’re done putting the final edits on your holiday video card, simply upload it to a video-sharing site (why not try Vimeo???). You can protect your video with a password so only special people can see it, or create a private group so others in your family can share their holiday video cards.

Family holiday video cards are easy to put together, and for additional tips and lessons, head over to the Video Vimeo School at http://vimeo.com/videoschool.

How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. December 27th, 2011.
1 lucky winners will win a 1 year Plus account subscription… Tell us what your child wants for the holidays and please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).
You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information: @vimeo @latenightparent http://go.lnp.tv/sVs5Nf — and you must also leave comment on this blog with the link to your tweet.
Example: I want to win an @Vimeo Plus account Thanks to @latenightparent– http://go.lnp.tv/sVs5Nf
You get 1 extra entry for following Vimeo on twitter – twitter.com/vimeo
You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/latenightparent
You get 1 extra entry for becoming a FAN of Vimeo on Facebook – facebook.com/Vimeo you must comment that you’re a fan
You get 1 extra entry for becoming a FAN on Facebook – facebook.com/latenightparents you must comment that you’re a fan
You get 1 extra entry for recommending a friend to become a Fan on Facebook – facebook.com/LateNightParents they must comment that you sent them and you must comment here for the entry

You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner!
Disclaimer: Thanks to Video for this prize.

9 Comments

  1. readysetdad (@readysetdad) (@readysetdad)

    Tips on How to Create a Holiday Video Card http://t.co/C7LI9col

  2. DaDa Rocks! (@dadarocks) (@dadarocks)

    Tips on How to Create a Holiday Video Card http://t.co/32V2DUl1 with a giveaway from @vimeo

  3. John (@TheDaddyYoDude) (@TheDaddyYoDude)

    Tips on How to Create a Holiday Video Card http://t.co/wzb3vbTB via @latenightparent

  4. mrs4444

    Not sure if this is the place for my entries, but I’m going for it 🙂 My kids are very happy with their gifts this year, but my daughter would love a car!haha

  5. Mrs4444 (@Mrs4444)

    Got video? Win a year of Pro @Vimeo from @latenightparent http://t.co/Am1Qf9WB

  6. mrs4444

    Mrs4444 is following Vimeo on Twitter.

  7. mrs4444

    Already following LNP via Twitter (Mrs4444)

  8. mrs4444

    Liked on Facebook but am not going to put my real name here. Hint: see my email address on this comment.

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