• What program do you use to capture the video footage?
• How do you set up your software and system to record?
• How do you avoid lag?
• What program do you use to edit the video?
• What are the specifications of your computer?
• Would you consider making one of my scripts or a song that I like into a video?
• Any more tips you can give me?
• When is your next video coming out?

What program do you use to capture the video footage?

I use Fraps to capture my footage. It was created to benchmark software and to capture video and screenshots from DirectX and OpenGL games. You have to pay a small fee ($29.95) to have it work at its full capabilities, but it's worth it.

How do you set up your software and system to record?

I recorded Fallen with my game resolution at 1280 x 960 and set Fraps to record at half-size (so that the final size of the video would be 640 x 480). This may change in the future. I may try keeping my game resolution at my usual 1024 x 768 and film at full size. Fool around with the settings a bit and see what works best with your computer.

How do you avoid lag?

Well, I don't really. Fraps will make your screenrates lag a bit even under the best of circumstances. When I'm not recording with Fraps and just running around in game, I seem to get framerates of 15-29. I try to keep my framerates above 15 when recording, but that can be hard when you are outside in a busy city. Based on my experience, I would suggest filming in cities that aren't frequented by a lot of people, or if you do, try to film where you can't "see" a lot of people. Datooine, at least on Bloodfin, would be a big "no" as it's horribly laggy even when not filming. Filming inside helps, as does filming in the wilderness. I also keep my terrain and global detail at around 50% or a bit lower.

What program do you use to edit the video?

I use Microsoft's Movie Maker. You probably already have it if you have XP and have downloaded any of the updates. If not, you can download it, but you must have XP to use it. It is actually quite limited in what it can do. But, as I'm not a professional nor do I have access to professional products at a reasonable price, I think this product is sufficient. Besides, as long as you have a good story or good subject matter, the special effects are just secondary.

What are the specifications of your computer?

For what it's worth, my systems specs are:

Would you consider making one of my scripts or a song that I like into a video?

Wow! Actually, I'm very flattered that you would trust me enough to make your script or your favorite song into a video. Thank you! Unfortunately, I just don't have the time to do that—I wish that I did. I don't even have enough time to make my favorite stories or songs into videos. Plus, I have to have inspiration strike me before I can even consider turning a song into a video. I like many songs but not all of them paint the vivid picture in my mind that's necessary for me to turn it into a video.

I recommend you become an amateur video director yourself and bring your own video ideas to life. It really isn't as difficult as you would think. Plus, you'll get that great natural high bringing your creation to life. hehe You can be a modern day Frankenstein.

Any more tips you can give me?

Yes! I highly recommend checking out the thread "Videos, videos, videos!" on the Dancer's Forum at the SWG board. I read it before attempting my video. It was a great help. Thank you, Tiaga, for writing up the guide.

Most of all, be creative and have fun! Choose any genre, be it dance, comedy, drama, horror, propaganda, etc. There can never be too many videos. :)

When is your next video coming out?

Hmm...probably never. I've completely lost interest in the game. Perhaps sometime in the future I'll want to play again, but...I can't make any promises.