*Currently in draft stage*

This page tries to outline the Release Videos created for each release of GNOME.

The plan is that for each new release of GNOME, a release video is uploaded to Youtube. The video covers the most major news for both users and developers.

Feedback on 3.12 release video:

Post-release feedback given by users and interns the 3.12 release video is collected here:

• Kamil (g+): The video really looks professional. Only sometimes there's too sudden screen change, e.g. around 0:45. Some short blend/other transition effect would improve that. The narrator voice is great.
• Valentin: Really pawnage video overall! One thing, the blur at 3:16 sucks hard as it messes up with my eyes, because a focal element is not introduced fast enough.
• The panning at 00:50 seem misplaced.
• Some places had a fast cutting rhythm, make more use of some transitions in these places.
• For next time use a higher resolution screen with high dpi to get some really nice video material.
• Have subtitles on the video for the most commonly spoken languages.

Procedure for GNOME 3.14

Writing a Manuscript

The video should cover the most major changes on the visible surface and under the hood of GNOME. A good source of the most major features that will appear in 3.14 can be found in the 3.13 release notes. Also ask on the #engagement channel.

Audio Recording

• Voice Actor (ie. karen)
• High quality microphone

Video Recording

• Target video output will be 1920x1080, 25 FPS. Use motion blur.
• Screen recording should be performed on a screen supporting 1920x1080 and resolutions higher than this.
• Use the below script together with ffmpeg for recording and do so from a separate TTY so screen recording isn't visible.

cast.sh

Video Editing

• A non-linear video editor capable of loading PNG files is required, fx. Blender.
• First edit the sound recording, then cut the video material accordingly. Leave blank holes to be filled by visualizations and animations, when it seems fit.

Animations

We are trying to keep a certain style for the animations. Animations have previously been created in Blender. We plan to create them using Cycles, as this gives you the opportunity to get a final preview right away as you work.

• Do sketches and a storyboard before you begin animating.

• Overload your animations, to make them "pop" a bit. (example: animation-overload-example.gif)

• Graphics tend to be animated so they scale slowly inwards while fast in changing. (See the wayland part at 2:03 in the 3.12 video)

• Keep the graphics simple and minimalistic. Some repositories you should have a look and search around in:

  • gnome-mockups repository- for window templates (usable for sketchy animations)

  • gnome-marketing repository - for existing marketing materials (we have a "youtube" folder where most important files for the release video goes in)

  • gnome-icons repository - for your icon needs - good for representing applications in the video.

• Composition. A release video is not a slideshow. Keep the font size down and don't underestimate the importance of whitespace. Balance the composition and utilize tools like grid-based design, rule of thirds and contrast to direct the attention of those watching.

• Graphics can either be imported into blender through the compositor or put onto a 3D plane with the right material setup.

• Objects can be centered to the camera in 3D space by using selecting the object and go "View -> Align View -> Align Camera to Selected".