They laughed at me at my sister's engagement party when I said "I have a short presentation".
They figured, here comes another drunken toast, or a couple of bad jokes.
Instead, I turned down the lights and lit up the projector and hit play.
For 20 minutes, I was met with tears, laughter, and finally, explosive applause.
I had produced my first "Tribute" video.
Tribute videos are something special.
They are essentially life stories (or company histories); they celebrate weddings, engagements, graduations, retirements, achievements, anniversaries, or memorials.
What makes a Tribute Video great?

• Great pictures & footage.
  
• Great audio.
  
• Comprehensive story.
  
• Digging (Research.
  )
• Pacing.
  
• All of which in turn allows for a great video edit.
  

You have to know your subject, and know what the audience wants to see or hear.
You may do interviews with friends, families, or coworkers.
You may unearth some "3D objects" like awards or trophies to be shown.
You might have old audio recordings or 8mm films that can become part of the story.
You may have a "talk" with the subjects favorite Teddy Bear or toy.
There's nothing wrong with humor! The real goal though, is to create a stew of these elements that keeps the audience wanting more, and more, and more...
until they absolutely remember (or learn) why the beloved is so beloved.
That takes pacing, and a continuous mix of music, voices, pictures, video and transitions and effects that can best be termed "professional".
No, we're not saying you should be a professional, or even that you must hire a professional.
We're saying you should use the tools and techniques of a professional.
After all, even the worst YouTube video is looking pretty good now, thanks to high quality iPhone cameras, decent desktop editing tools, and a plethora of templated effects and techniques that come with those tools.
No, it isn't quite the slam dunk it once was, but producing a real video for a real audience is already a darn site better than just a revolving loop of photos on a projection screen during the dinner.
What do you need?

• Resources.
  AN insider who can offer family photos, tapes, films, yearbooks, wedding albums, trophies.
  
• An ear for music-- movie music.
  The occasional favorite song is okay, but you're building an event here.
  
• A good camera...
  by good, these days, I mean high-definition, since even a $60 special from Best Buy is usually high def.
  
• A decent speed computer, and editing software.
  On the Mac, start with iMovie (included free with the computer), on the PC, Windows Movie Maker (free), or Sony Vegas Studio (reasonable cost.
  )

After that, it's a question of reading, learning and practicing.
DO a few freebies and get the hang of it.
No one can complain; you didn't charge anything! Take a few courses or check YouTube for tutorials on your software or hardware.
And check back here.
We'll have plenty more to offer in the way of tips and techniques! Good luck with your first Tribute Video.