In my post the other day about Ann Leaness’ terrific MLK Day project, I made a brief reference to the tool she used to produce her video, Stupeflix Studio. I first heard of the site via a post on Richard Byrne’s fabulous Free Technology for Teachers blog, but hadn’t had a chance to try it myself. Inspired by Ann, I created an account and gave it a go.
It didn’t end well.
In fact, more than a little frustrated by the interface, I felt *I* was putting the “Stoopid” in “Stupeflix!” (See? I’m not infallible, I struggle with this stuff too sometimes!)
I don’t consider myself intellectually lazy, far from it – I pride myself in being a lifelong learner, and most especially, a visual learner. So when I struggled with Stupeflix, I had to wonder … am I losing my edge? Am I getting too old for this stuff? Is 47 old? Most people who know me will tell you I act like I’m 12 most of the time (when it comes to learning, I’m child-like, not childish. Big difference!)
Anyway, my problem is I’ve been spoiled by Animoto, the 1,000-pound gorilla of video making sites. Animoto makes it so easy. Point, click, done. Literally.
But therein lies the problem – and the opportunity for Stupeflix.
Animoto‘s strength (and fatal flaw) is that *IT* decides how to animate and transition your pics. Most of the time, the final results are positively stunning, thanks in large part to their huge library of ready-to-use music. Here’s an example, a quick demo I literally did in about three minutes for a workshop I’ve got coming up. [N.B.: Julia Marcell's "Carousel" is AMAZING.]
Stupeflix Studio doesn’t have music … but what it does have is something Animoto lacks – an incredible amount of control over the style of your video. Transitions. Effects. Placement. Grouping. More!
If I had a nickel for every time I had to recompile an Animoto because something wasn’t “perfect,” I’d be a rich man. My average for a “serious” project is something like 10-15 remixes. Seriously!
Stupeflix Studio solves that problem by giving you much more creative control. That control comes at a price: your intellectual horesepower is required in the process! Ann tells me she finds the interface natural and intuitive. For some reason, I don’t. But don’t let that stop you!
The biggest drawback I see with Stupeflix Studio is the lack of music available to incorporate directly into the video. Sure, you can provide your own, but it adds a layer of complexity.
That said, I really, really like Stupeflix Studio. Its ability to produce stunning videos – with input from you – is unmatched.
I’ll close with Ann’s movie from my original post. Even if you already just saw it, watch it again – it’s that good.
Hope this helps!
-kj-
WoW!!!!!!
This is amazing!!!!
Love the tune as well!!!!
Keep up the amazing work!
ZOMG!!!! Neil!!!!
FINALLY!!!
Someone who uses exclamation marks like I do!!!!
:)
Glad you like the post! Thanks for reading!
-kj-
I’ve been wondering about the difference between Animoto and Stupeflix since you posted Ann’s amazing MLK video. Thanks for the update!
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for the post! We’re glad Stupeflix is useful to teachers and students. Sorry the interface doesn’t really work out for you, if you have suggestions to make it easier, please let me know!
Best,
Jeff from Stupeflix
Thank you for your posting. I would like to recommend One True Media (http://www.onetruemedia.com/) as it has the same flexibility as Stupeflix but includes lots of different audio/music items.
Kevin,
The lack of music tracks is a downfall, but I try to spin it as an opportunity to teach students about Creative Commons music clips.
As always, thanks for the shout-out.
Richard
Thanks for being honest about the difficulty you had! I think I’d like to give it a try after seeing her video, but I’ll feel better having read your blog if it’s too hard. Thanks Kev!