By
By
Webinar Library
Technology Videos

Make Easy Video Stories Your Family Will Cherish

Rhonda Lauritzen
Jan 28, 2026
362 views
Free
Free through February 4, 2026
Want to watch the full webinar?
Join now to access all 2,633 webinars and unlock all features.
Join now
Syllabus
Join now

Content

Play. Playing.
Welcome
1m 20s
Play. Playing.
Speaker's Introduction
1m 07s
Play. Playing.
Introduction
4m 06s
Play. Playing.
Blueprint for a Big Project
5m 14s
Play. Playing.
Video Editors
6m 12s
Play. Playing.
Gather & Digitize
7m 57s
Play. Playing.
Draft Your Script
2m 00s
Play. Playing.
Choose Music
1m 57s
Play. Playing.
Narrate or Add Words
16m 01s
Play. Playing.
Announcements / prizes
4m 41s
Play. Playing.
Questions / answers
30m 24s

About this webinar

Turn genealogical facts into captivating videos. This session will empower family historians who have only modest tech skills to create short, shareable videos that resonate with all ages. Using Animoto, Canva, iMovie, or Camtasia, learn to blend photos, music, and narration. The result will be magic! Discover how to digitize artifacts, and source public-domain images from places like the New York Public Library’s scanned books. Use AI transcription tools for. Attendees will leave excited to produce a 2–3-minute video story. No video editing skills are needed. This session will draw upon real examples created with the simplest of tools.

Discount code: video26 (valid at Familytreewebinars.com)

Valid through: February 3, 2026

About the speaker

About the speaker

Rhonda Lauritzen
Rhonda Lauritzen is a professional biographer with multiple published books. She does client work including building nominations to the National Register of Historic Places and writing client family history stories. She believes that when you tell
Learn more...

Comments (56)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

1000 characters remaining
Cancel Submit

Sort by Newest
Sort by Close.
  • Newest
  • Oldest
  • Likes
  1. JG
    Julianne Geisler
    14 hours ago

    Excellent and entertaining. She loves what she does and it shows in her presentation.

    Reply
  2. AP
    Anita Payne
    14 hours ago

    Great webinar Thank you

    Reply
  3. RH
    Roger Humbke
    14 hours ago

    Lots of great suggestions for beginners like myself. Easy to understand. Rhonda is a great presentor and her short video of her grandfather proves it.

    Reply
  4. CD
    Claudette Duncan
    14 hours ago

    5++++ an excellent presentation with oodles of information. Top Rate. I’ve been interested in video [the exact things Rhonda covered} but thought it would be too difficult. Now, I am armed with the basic knowledge I can go forward … thanks so much for such a great, basic tutorial.

    Reply
  5. CC
    Christine Clark
    14 hours ago

    This webinar was jam packed with valuable info for the video novice and experienced videographer. Rhonda Lauritzen is an excellent teacher! I will try to attend every one of her upcoming videos.

    Reply
  6. DC
    Donna Chavarro
    14 hours ago

    Loved it! Best webinar for me as I am hoping to make a video story of a great-grandmother that I have never met. Great advice and resources to check out! Yay!

    Reply
  7. WD
    Windy Davis
    14 hours ago

    This gave me a lot to think about. I really needed these suggestions of tools to use.

    Reply
  8. DS
    Donna Stock
    14 hours ago

    I liked that she shared examples that were short and looked fairly easy. Her comment that we need an inciting incident and a transformation (even if it’s ours).

    Reply
Show all comments

Related Webinars

1:39:05
TechnologyMiscellaneous
Capturing Their Stories, Part II: Next Steps with Your Family History Interviews
Colleen Robledo Greene, MLIS, FTxSGS
429 views
CC
Capturing Their Stories, Part II: Next Steps with Your Family History Interviews
You’ve recorded that video or audio interview, now what? This presentations builds on the best practices covered in Colleen’s part one webinar. We will explore ideas and tools for trimming out mistakes or sensitive content, and for adding a title screen and ending credits screen before sharing with others. We will also look at ways to enhance your recordings by weaving in relevant supporting visual imagery like photos, maps, and historical documents. Finally we will review options for generating full text transcriptions of your interviews.
TechnologyMiscellaneous
Capturing Their Stories, Part II: Next Steps with Your Family History Interviews
CC
Colleen Robledo Greene, MLIS, FTxSGS
429 views
You’ve recorded that video or audio interview, now what? This presentations builds on the best practices covered in Colleen’s part one webinar. We will explore ideas and tools for trimming out mistakes or sensitive content, and for adding a title screen and ending credits screen before sharing with others. We will also look at ways to enhance your recordings by weaving in relevant supporting visual imagery like photos, maps, and historical documents. Finally we will review options for generating full text transcriptions of your interviews.
Wed, May 29 2024: 18:00 UTC
Register for free
1:14:31
Technology
Shoot Like a Pro: How to Record Quality Videos Using Your Mobile Device
Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal, CG®
3.6K views
CC
Shoot Like a Pro: How to Record Quality Videos Using Your Mobile Device
You don't need a fancy camera or expensive software to record amazing videos. In fact, professional photographers are shooting cinema-quality videos with just a smartphone… and you can do it, too! This class will feature the newest and most popular resources for recording professional-quality videos. Learn how to gain control…
Technology
Shoot Like a Pro: How to Record Quality Videos Using Your Mobile Device
CC
Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal, CG®
3.6K views
You don't need a fancy camera or expensive software to record amazing videos. In fact, professional photographers are shooting cinema-quality videos with just a smartphone… and you can do it, too! This class will feature the newest and most popular resources for recording professional-quality videos. Learn how to gain control…
Wed, February 17 2021: 19:00 UTC
Register for free
7:40
Bonus webinarsSoftwareTechnologyTechZone
TechSmith Capture for Free and Easy Screenshots and Recordings
Amie Bowser Tennant
1.8K views
CC
TechSmith Capture for Free and Easy Screenshots and Recordings
Learn how to make screen capture photos and videos using a free app called TechSmith Capture.
Bonus webinarsSoftwareTechnologyTechZone
TechSmith Capture for Free and Easy Screenshots and Recordings
CC
Amie Bowser Tennant
1.8K views
Learn how to make screen capture photos and videos using a free app called TechSmith Capture.
Fri, May 8 2020: 0:00 UTC
Login to register (for webinar members)
Login to register (for webinar members)
3:24
Bonus webinarsTechnologyTechZone
Rockin' Royalty-free Music for Your Family Videos
Amie Bowser Tennant
1.1K views
CC
Rockin' Royalty-free Music for Your Family Videos
Learn what is meant by Royalty-free music and find a good source for your home videos.
Bonus webinarsTechnologyTechZone
Rockin' Royalty-free Music for Your Family Videos
CC
Amie Bowser Tennant
1.1K views
Learn what is meant by Royalty-free music and find a good source for your home videos.
Fri, April 3 2020: 0:00 UTC
Login to register (for webinar members)
Login to register (for webinar members)
1:32:11
Technology
Multi-Media Story Telling
Devin Ashby
3.0K views
Free
Multi-Media Story Telling
Stories are all around us but very few are captured and even fewer are shared. The technologies we have to tell stories today are unique and go way beyond just text. We'll discuss ways to capture audio, video, text, photos and use the internet to make your stories come alive…
Technology
Multi-Media Story Telling
Free
Devin Ashby
3.0K views
Stories are all around us but very few are captured and even fewer are shared. The technologies we have to tell stories today are unique and go way beyond just text. We'll discuss ways to capture audio, video, text, photos and use the internet to make your stories come alive…
Wed, November 30 2016: 0:00 UTC
Register for free
58:32
WebtemberWriting and Publishing
Manage large writing projects through optimistic start, muddled middle, and triumphant finish
Rhonda Lauritzen
1.1K views
CC
Manage large writing projects through optimistic start, muddled middle, and triumphant finish
Big writing projects call for an organizational structure and efficient workflows to keep the work on track. This class will share what Rhonda wishes someone had taught her when she first started writing books and presenting historical research. These are the best practices learned along the way. We will begin with the files and infrastructure Rhonda now sets up at the start of every project and the tools she uses every day. New AI technologies and automations now make quick work of parts that used to be tedious without sacrificing your unique voice and perspective. Learn state-of-the-art tools that will save time without breaking the budget or requiring a ridiculous learning curve. Note: This class does not focus on photo management or genealogy research but emphasizes writing historical fiction, memoirs, and other big projects.
WebtemberWriting and Publishing
Manage large writing projects through optimistic start, muddled middle, and triumphant finish
CC
Rhonda Lauritzen
1.1K views
Big writing projects call for an organizational structure and efficient workflows to keep the work on track. This class will share what Rhonda wishes someone had taught her when she first started writing books and presenting historical research. These are the best practices learned along the way. We will begin with the files and infrastructure Rhonda now sets up at the start of every project and the tools she uses every day. New AI technologies and automations now make quick work of parts that used to be tedious without sacrificing your unique voice and perspective. Learn state-of-the-art tools that will save time without breaking the budget or requiring a ridiculous learning curve. Note: This class does not focus on photo management or genealogy research but emphasizes writing historical fiction, memoirs, and other big projects.
Wed, September 10 2025: 15:30 UTC
Register for free
1:13:34
Writing and Publishing
Beautifully lay out and print your family history book on any budget
Rhonda Lauritzen
2.1K views
CC
Beautifully lay out and print your family history book on any budget
Whether you have finished your writing project or you are just beginning, learn how to beautifully present your work. Although electronic copies are easy to share, the printed word can last for centuries. Printed books carry a sense of value that your family deserves. This class will provide an overview of up-to-date software options to lay out your book including InDesign, Microsoft Word, Blurb Bookwright, Apple Pages, photobook makers, and Canva. Learn straightforward best practice guidelines for a clean layout that does not scream self-published. The world of printing and publishing has made rapid advances in recent years, so learn the latest printing options. Whether you seek gorgeous heritage printing on archival paper or an affordable paperback for sharing, there are services for every budget. This class will provide an apples-to-apples cost comparison Avoid common pitfalls and understand when to call in a professional.
Writing and Publishing
Beautifully lay out and print your family history book on any budget
CC
Rhonda Lauritzen
2.1K views
Whether you have finished your writing project or you are just beginning, learn how to beautifully present your work. Although electronic copies are easy to share, the printed word can last for centuries. Printed books carry a sense of value that your family deserves. This class will provide an overview of up-to-date software options to lay out your book including InDesign, Microsoft Word, Blurb Bookwright, Apple Pages, photobook makers, and Canva. Learn straightforward best practice guidelines for a clean layout that does not scream self-published. The world of printing and publishing has made rapid advances in recent years, so learn the latest printing options. Whether you seek gorgeous heritage printing on archival paper or an affordable paperback for sharing, there are services for every budget. This class will provide an apples-to-apples cost comparison Avoid common pitfalls and understand when to call in a professional.
Wed, April 16 2025: 18:00 UTC
Register for free
1:13:34
Writing and Publishing
Mettez en page et imprimez votre livre d’histoire familiale de manière élégante, quel que soit votre budget
Rhonda Lauritzen
2.0K views
French
CC
Mettez en page et imprimez votre livre d’histoire familiale de manière élégante, quel que soit votre budget
Les sous-titres et la voix de cette vidéo ont été doublés en français à l'aide de l'IA. Que vous ayez terminé votre projet d'écriture ou que vous soyez juste en train de commencer, apprenez à présenter votre travail de manière magnifique. Bien que les copies électroniques soient faciles à partager, le mot imprimé peut durer des siècles. Les livres imprimés portent un sentiment de valeur que votre famille mérite. Ce cours donnera un aperçu des options logicielles à jour pour mettre en page votre livre, y compris InDesign, Microsoft Word, Blurb Bookwright, Apple Pages, les éditeurs de livres photo et Canva. Apprenez des lignes directrices simples pour une mise en page propre qui ne crie pas auto-édité. Le monde de l'impression et de l'édition a fait de rapides progrès ces dernières années, alors apprenez les dernières options d'impression. Que vous recherchiez une impression patrimoniale magnifique sur papier d'archives ou un livre de poche abordable à partager, il existe des services pour chaque budget. Ce cours fournira une comparaison de coûts équitable. Évitez les pièges communs et comprenez quand faire appel à un professionnel.
Writing and Publishing
Mettez en page et imprimez votre livre d’histoire familiale de manière élégante, quel que soit votre budget
French
CC
Rhonda Lauritzen
2.0K views
Les sous-titres et la voix de cette vidéo ont été doublés en français à l'aide de l'IA. Que vous ayez terminé votre projet d'écriture ou que vous soyez juste en train de commencer, apprenez à présenter votre travail de manière magnifique. Bien que les copies électroniques soient faciles à partager, le mot imprimé peut durer des siècles. Les livres imprimés portent un sentiment de valeur que votre famille mérite. Ce cours donnera un aperçu des options logicielles à jour pour mettre en page votre livre, y compris InDesign, Microsoft Word, Blurb Bookwright, Apple Pages, les éditeurs de livres photo et Canva. Apprenez des lignes directrices simples pour une mise en page propre qui ne crie pas auto-édité. Le monde de l'impression et de l'édition a fait de rapides progrès ces dernières années, alors apprenez les dernières options d'impression. Que vous recherchiez une impression patrimoniale magnifique sur papier d'archives ou un livre de poche abordable à partager, il existe des services pour chaque budget. Ce cours fournira une comparaison de coûts équitable. Évitez les pièges communs et comprenez quand faire appel à un professionnel.
Wed, April 16 2025: 18:00 UTC
Login to register (for webinar members)
Login to register (for webinar members)
1:11:31
MyHeritageWriting and Publishing
Power of place – using MyHeritage to tell the stories of buildings & places
Rhonda Lauritzen
582 views
CC
Free
Power of place – using MyHeritage to tell the stories of buildings & places
This workshop will guide researchers through a series of steps and stops to find the history of buildings and places. Follow some case studies and learn how to find excellent records in MyHeritage, the steps to follow followed, and the ideal interplay between primary and secondary sources. Also, learn pro-tips for writing a compelling narrative. This presentation will inspire attendees with the power that the places of our ancestors have to draw us near and to strengthen a sense of community. 
MyHeritageWriting and Publishing
Power of place – using MyHeritage to tell the stories of buildings & places
CC
Free
Rhonda Lauritzen
582 views
This workshop will guide researchers through a series of steps and stops to find the history of buildings and places. Follow some case studies and learn how to find excellent records in MyHeritage, the steps to follow followed, and the ideal interplay between primary and secondary sources. Also, learn pro-tips for writing a compelling narrative. This presentation will inspire attendees with the power that the places of our ancestors have to draw us near and to strengthen a sense of community. 
Tue, September 12 2023: 18:00 UTC
Register for free