The Best of “Film Tip Fridays”

In Blogging, Video by Brian Town

If you “like” Michigan Creative Video on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, then you’ve probably seen our “Film Tip Friday” posts every week. We like to post quick little tips that we think of for shooting, editing, audio, etc., and we hope that these tips help you out, if even just a little bit.

Even though we post a new tip (sometimes a few!) every week, I was thinking… The chances of our followers actually having a full list of these tips is pretty slim (I don’t blame them, though, because I know I wouldn’t be taking notes from Facebook or Twitter either!). So, I
decided to take a few minutes to compile a small list of the tips we’ve shared so far this year; some of the most useful ones (at least in my opinion).

1. The way you shoot is more important than the equipment you have.
Usually the most expensive part of shooting a film is your camera, but always remember that you don’t necessarily have to have the latest and greatest camera to make a great film – It all depends on how YOU shoot!

2. 3-point lighting
1. Key light – the main light, shining directly on the subject
2. Fill light – balances the key light and fills in shaded areas
3. Back light – behind the subject, separating them/it from
the background

3. Cutting on action
Cutting on the action helps videos flow much more smoothly and naturally. This video is a great example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JxfgId3XTs

4. Camera angles
If you have a several camera angles available to you when editing, don’t cut back to the same camera angle or shot that was just used in your previous shot.

5. Color correction
Color correction in post is extremely important in any video product, but white balancing when you shoot will mean less work later!

6. Get an outside opinion.
t never hurts to get an outside opinion on a project you’re working on! Sometimes it helps to get some perspective from someone who hasn’t been staring at it all day.

7. Backup your projects!
Remember to ALWAYS save backups of your projects and all of your original media! There is a saying in the editing world, “It’s not if your hard drive will fail, but when!”

8. Over-the-shoulder shots
Over-the-shoulder shots can be difficult to shoot but, when shot correctly, can give a great sense of closeness to your audience between them and the characters on screen!

9. Makeshift tripod
Using a doorstop works great for low, floor shots! Acting as mini tripod of sorts, you can adjust the height of the shot by simply moving your camera forward or backward on the doorstop!

10. Bonus!
Tip #10 is actually 9 tips in 1! Read the article below the picture for some great bonus tips!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 Shooting Film Tips for Beginners

Remember: There is always room for improvement in your editing skills! Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced editor, you can always learn new skills or build on the ones you already have.

~ Alli

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