BOOM! BAM! POW! BOOK TRAILERS TO THE RESCUE!
Creating a book trailer was a complex process to begin. The problem was that I didn't know exactly where to start. Initially, I pondered several novels I had read as a young adult to create a book trailer; however, I decided to use a comic book! X-Men was the first choice for me because I am a childhood fan and because of several parallels that have been drawn between the X-Men universe and the civil rights movements in the United States. In the future, I would love to create a unit that uses Marvel's X-Men to navigate and explore what it means to be "other" in society. I created a book trailer highlighting X-Men: First Class Vol. 1.
First, I am an Apple user outside of work, so I decided to explore iMovie, and I can tell you that I was not disappointed. The layout and design of the iMovie software felt intuitive to use.
Additionally, I use extensions more often to complete design tasks. For example, remove.bg is a website that can remove image backgrounds, and I used the website to produce the isolated image of Professor X with a black background. Super helpful!
I selected several images from a digital copy of the comic that conveyed character meaning, identification, and action highlights to entice viewers. I took these images and inserted them into my digital storyboard. This process was not as easy as it sounds! It took several prototypes of the trailer before the image sequence matched the selected music's tempo. From there, it was just fine-tuning the video until everything flowed right. This will help promote books and reading materials to students and staff when a physical presence may not be possible.
The challenge was introducing the plot line and characters concisely in a memorable way without giving away the story. Or why read it right? A compelling book trailer uses minimal text, fast-moving images, and a sensible music selection. I hope you enjoyed the book trailer as much as I enjoyed making it.
*Hint Hint- I liked making it A LOT!
