How to make a video

[tzvetoslav 0]

Hi all!So,I wanted to create a video of ArmA but I don't know how to create a demo video of the game.Like in BF 2.You type "demo start" and it starts,after that you can view it from the menu.You can select different view points,different characters and save the footage you want with Fraps (for example)...How do you do that in Armed Assault?I know it can,but I just don't know how.Thanks.

[Harry747 0]

Hi Tzve

Arma doesn't have a battlerecorder like BF2. You can either use the camera function and setup a "mock battle" within editor and record with FRAPS (or gamecam) OR use FRAPS in "live" games.

I have downloaded MR EditorGuy camera script for use in Editor and mock up battles for frapping/movies.

Hope this helps.

Cheers H

[tzvetoslav 0]

Thanks for the info I've downloaded it,but how do I use it.I've read in the Readme file but there weren't any instructions on how to use it Can you tell me how to use it?Thanks.

[The-Architect 0]

With Fraps you just hit the record hotkey.

[tzvetoslav 0]

I'm talking about the "MR EditorGuy". I've saved it in the ArmA/Addons directory as it says in the Readme,but I don't know how to use it.In the Readme file it doesn't say anything about how to use it.Only where to extract it.Any help would be much apreceated.

[walker 0]

Hi all

There are four phases to making a video in ArmA.

1) Narrative

2) Camera work

3) Recording

4) Editing

1) Narrative

Creating a story, the easiest way is documentary style just, set up a mission or join an MP mission and skip straight to 2) but for more complex you may want to set several heavily way pointed and scripted missions and replay them for different angles making multiple recordings from different angles.

In such a case you will probably want:

a) A SCRIPT a narrative story written in word. There is probably a template for it somewhere for different forms probably from a film school. The script in a good film can and should change, a good director is never happy with their first version ask others for their input accept advice but keep your vision

b) To scout LOCATIONs so you can visualise what you want. This the place where the SCRIPT changes the most as you see new possibilities and ideas inspired by what you can see.

c) A STORYBOARD there is software for this and much film software allows you create a story board; MS Power Point is a good tool or just use pen and paper

d) RESOURCES work what equipment objects and roles/characters there are this includes AI extras, work out how much of it can be human avatar actors remember time is flexible in film particularly in machinema; an actor can play several roles in what appears to be the same scene (I was an extra in the film Killling Me Softly and in the same apparently 10 second scene played 3 roles, I belayed 2 people including one the stars and am also scene stretching at the bottom of the climbing wall. The filming for that scene took the best part of a 4 hours, the whole 2 minute scene took 2 days to film)

e) PROJECT PLAN if it is a really professional project use MS Project to manage and plan it properly. There is plenty of free task scheduling software or you just make a list in notepad. Either way, have a plan (unless it is Documentary style)

f) SET THE SCENE get in the ARMA editor and put it all together put in the waypoints sort out any scripted moves explosions effect etc.

g) LIGHTING work out how best to light the scenes. We have HDR now so

h) CONTINUITY make sure that things match up between shots. Do a continuity check between each scene, and over long multi cut scenes.

i) REHEARSE it on your own then with any actors. Work out what each of the roles is and what constraints exist play the roles re-write you script. RECORD EVERYTHING you never know when some excellent accident may happen and you will kick your self if you did not record it; it will also give you something to show any actors what you want and should all slot straight in to the stroyboard to make a more advanced storyboard. The final film itself is just another storyboard.

2) Camera work

Go Here

http://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Camera.sqs

That is your basic tool for ArmA machinema learn how to use it look and search for camera scripts ask others how they did what they do.

3) Recording

RECORD, RECORD, RECORD. Record it all, Your Recording software or hardware must be on all the time. You are going to need plenty of hard disk space and some RW DVDs are also a must or lots of camera tapes.

FRAPS is the basic direct to disk recording tool but there are other options also consider a hardware solution such as recording to a digital camera or a second computer via a digital recording set up.

4) Editing

Get some editing software learn how to use it. Go to some film school sites and learn how to edit, fire up Google.

Until someone comes up with an instructional video tutorial website or a film makers manual you could also try here:

http://ofp.gamepark.cz/_hosted/ofpmm/forum/viewforum.php?forum_id=7

Kind Regards walker

[USSRsniper 0]

1) Narrative

2) Camera work

3) Recording

4) Editing

Those steps wre good but never forget about single most important step, getting clear idea of what you will have in your video befor you even touch your computer. If you are creating video to tell a story without this step videos are usually not good. Its only during video making you select and delete scenes you dont like.

[Harry747 0]

I'm talking about the "MR EditorGuy". I've saved it in the ArmA/Addons directory as it says in the Readme,but I don't know how to use it.In the Readme file it doesn't say anything about how to use it.Only where to extract it.Any help would be much apreceated.

From memory, when you load up ArmA Editor, under the independant side resides "MattR Addon". Place the unit "MattR Addon" on the map.

Start up "Preview" (you might have to place "Player" on the map somewhere as well) and use the scroll wheel to start camera. Press "L" to remove cross hairs.

One tip I learn't after a frustrating time not being abvle to raise (or lower) the camera height, is disconnect your joystick if you have one. It seems the throttle and height control are one and the same!

[GIJOE94 0]

I have installed Mr editorguy, and there is no addon to place on map. No, actualy I have found it under Independant/ MattR addon/Mr editor guy.But, how do I record so I can watch it again?

[USSRsniper 0]

I have installed Mr editorguy, and there is no addon to place on map. No, actualy I have found it under Independant/ MattR addon/Mr editor guy.But, how do I record so I can watch it again?

use the software called FRAPS