I started doing stop motion animation back in the 80's splicing 8mm frames manually before there was videotape. Over the years, as editing software came along, I've developed unique techniques to get some interesting FX from even less expensive programs. Much of the programming is designed for point and shoot users taping home movies, school and sports events. They don't give you a lot of options but you'd be surprised what you can do. On this website, I show some examples of the kinds of work I do with an editing board - splicing frame by frame. Working together we can produce the perfect video for you whether it's a home movie, instructional, a YouTube special, political message, or music video. Or if you'd rather, send me the footage and I can create it for you. To view the FX I discuss you can watch the whole video or just skip through to see how it goes together. None of them are much over three minutes except where noted. All the videos on this page are small to save space but the originals can be seen on or at the links mentioned below. Enjoy!

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	This sales training video for a clothing chain was filmed mostly on location so there wasn't much call for FX. I still try to spice them up by layering animation that helps illustrate the point for the student. The second clips uses low tech speech balloons to add color to the otherwise dry subject of sales floor techniques.
	The left video was shot entirely in front of green screen. The change in locations for each scene helps the client visualize this workshop in their store. Each set is a photograph. During the performances, I create backdrops that illustrate the mood of the music. The complete ELECTRIC FLLUTE SHOWCASE is about 13 minutes. Warrior Monk's complete videos are on his website at www.warriormonk.us. The second one showcases my own silversmithing techniques. There are no special FX but tight editing keeps the whole piece from becoming a bore. Remember that online viewers always have the option of rewatching so there is no need of repitition or long drawn out sequences. All the chasing videos can be seen at www.lunnflutes.com
	Green Screen Compilations
	Using chroma key ("green screen") opens up an endless world of possibilities. My mom read in front of the green and I dubbed in the illustrations from her book like a live reading where the kids could see the pictures. The trick with the scene on the porch is in creating atmosphere. The right sound FX are crucial to seal the deal. Janet Lunn is an award winning Canadian children's author for 40 years. Find her books, more videos and other info at www.janetlunn.com
	To really spice up my online school visits, I create layered and moving backgrounds that really set a scene. The second video is an overview of the whole program. I created these sets from a combination of still photos and layers moving paths and some movie clips or animation to bring them to life. Find more videos about the online school visit program at www.johnlunn.com/novelist
	Video looping can be very effective. With some street noises it makes a convincing 'live' performance'. The second video, a spoof ad for my flutes, uses background sounds to make the scene more believable.
	Animation with Moving Paths
	This process of resizing a video layer and moving it around the frame of your video. You can use video clips, images, or anything you want that makes your scene work. These backgrounds have at least 8 layers of animation. Using green screen in some of the layers, I create windows to see other layers through. The first scene is a teaser preview of my novel THE AQUANAUTS. The second is a chapter reading from the same book. Find more video readings at www.johnlunn.com/novelist
	On the left, my 90 SECOND LIFE STORY uses moving paths throughout to change scenes. while the chapter reading uses them to create action and motion. The right video is a sample of live action sketching of the four AQUANAUT characters. There's an interesting trick that makes this technique work for anyone.
	Music Videos For the amateur, too often the video gets overlooked for the music and a static view of the band is all you get or some pre-loaded FX that are pumped in as a visual.
	While very different, both of these sets create a mood that helps express the music being played. SKETCHES illlustrates the bricks and mortar of jazz while PILLARS OF THE EARTH has up to 6 layers of animation to take you on a trip to the end of time.
	This video of my grandson uses doubles, a photograph for a background set with a green floor as well as wall, and sound FX to create the crowd. It's deliberately crude but you get the idea. Even the microphone that he's standing behind is a layered photo, not a real mike.