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Most people these days have a camcorder that
they use to capture special moments. Filmmaking
happens to be one of the most popular hobbies,
with thousands of novice filmmakers looking for
advice on the Internet to learn how to go about
it. Read on to find out everything you ever
wanted to know about filmmaking.
What do I need?
Choosing a camera
All of us would like to own the coolest camera
that’s sleek and has all the latest features
required for great filmmaking. Most hobbyists
fail to understand that what’s captured on the
camera is more important than the make and model
of camera you have.
Choosing the camera formats or what are
otherwise called as tape formats can be
overwhelming with the wide range available in
the market. You need to carefully evaluate the
pros and cons of each one to find one that fits
your filmmaking requirement. Alternatively, you
may look for reviews on the Internet to know
what’s hot and what’s not in the electronic
market. The second-hand market would be your
best bet if you were looking for a camera with
advanced features, but at affordable prices. The
best part is that prices of electronic goods
depreciate all the time, so it makes sense to
wait for a while to buy that latest camera you
have set your eyes on. Many a filmmakers are
content using S-VHS and Hi8 that come with a
decent price tag, stereo sound and impeccable
quality. There’s no harm in experimenting, so
try renting cameras that you are tempted to buy
and see for yourself if they are actually worth
buying.
A 3-CCD DV camcorder such as the Canon XL-2 or
Sony VX-2100 is the first choice of many
filmmakers for their superior picture quality,
sharpness, and optimum color. Other options
include the latest 1-CCD models, such as the
Canon Elura or Optura Xi that offer excellent
image quality and are not too heavy on the
pocket. Look for cameras that offer cool
features such as manual white balance (ideal for
tricky lighting situations), manual focus, and
exposure control. Choosing a camera greatly
depends on the kind of film you intend to shoot.
Other
equipment
For excellent filmmaking, just having a
top-notch camera is not enough. You need to also
buy accessories such as a tripod. It is
advisable to have a tripod with a fluid head
that facilitates smooth panning and hence better
image quality. Manfrotto-Bogen is known for
making some of the finest low-budget tripods
that are very sturdy and rated high in
performance. You also need to invest in an
external microphone for better sound quality. In
situations where the subject is far from the
camera, the built-in microphone is not enough
and having a lavalier microphone or shotgun
microphone works better. Also recommended is a
wide-angle accessory lens that is useful if you
have to work within a confinement, while an
on-camera video light would be perfect for
low-light filming situations. And don’t forget
to carry extra batteries and videotapes just in
case you need them.
Filmmaking tips
Most of us are acquainted with using still
cameras and video cameras aren’t much different.
Great filmmaking comes from the ability to use a
camera effectively and this is possible only
when you understand what a video camera can do
for you. A video camera comes with advanced
in-built features making it difficult for
beginners to use them. Read the manual carefully
to figure out the many ways in which your camera
can help you before you start using it. Once you
start filming, it makes no sense to stop it
halfway through and wonder what to do next only
because you never bothered to read the manual
carefully.
Now that you have the skills to use your camera
to its full potential and have the necessary
equipment in place, you can finally move on to
actual filming. Until you get the hang of it,
let the automatic mode be on so that you don’t
have to manually control focus, exposure, or
white balance. The way you hold your camera is
very important, as most hobbyists end up
recording a hazy video clip simply because they
don’t know how to handle the function. In the
initial stages of filmmaking, avoid the zooming
and panning tasks and instead, compose a picture
in the viewfinder by holding it steady. Hold the
shot for at least ten seconds and before the
action is complete, you need to start thinking
about your next shot. For close-ups, adjust the
lens at its widest setting and walk closer to
the subject before you compose the shot. For
best results, you need to shoot a variety of
shots at varying focal lengths or else the film
produced will be difficult to edit. A wide view
of the scene followed by other shots of medium
and close-up range is the right sequence for
beginners to follow while pursuing filmmaking.
You can shoot interesting clips by shifting your
position and changing angles occasionally.
If you are depending on the built-in microphone
for capturing sound, make sure that you are
close to the person who is talking. It is also
important to hold the camera steady until the
dialogue is delivered to rule out the
possibility of sound drop-outs or inconsistency.
Filming a project is not enough until you give
the finishing touches by editing it. Thanks to
the computer and efficient products such as G5
and iMac easily accessible today, editing is
neither expensive nor difficult. Filmmakers can
also indulge in the iMac computer that has
integrated iMovie editing software that makes
editing extremely easy. With just a few hours of
practice, you can log and edit a tape in no time
making it ready for viewing.
While making the first film, most students
commit the mistake of making a long film. Camera
movement has to be smooth and unobtrusive and
complex moves must be saved for the last.
Filmmaking success lies in the proper
synchronization of all elements such as camera,
music and acting. If you think filmmaking is
your forte, it’s about time you took it more
seriously and consider formal training from an
accredited film school. Most people who are
inclined to take up filmmaking as a hobby are
often students specializing in subjects like
psychology, drama, or English literature.
Filmmaking is a competitive but rewarding
career. So, if you are serious about making it a
career, waste no time further and get into a
film school that can educate you about all
aspects of film making.
To give your filmmaking venture a more
professional look, make sure that you work with
an experienced crew. Producing a good film is
all about proper planning and preparation. So,
get set for an exciting filmmaking experience!
Who knows, you may actually end up becoming a
professional, marking the beginning of a new and
challenging career.
This information is only aimed at getting you
started. For more tips to help you develop your
filmmaking skills, you may visit the additional
resources.
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