Everything Else
How To: Use perspective in amateur film making
Sometimes we can get so caught up in what we're filming that we forget that how we're filming is also important. Use these tips to spice up your amateur film making and change around your camera angles.
How To: Frame a shot in film making
In this installment, learn about the six basic shots that you'll see professional videographers and filmmakers using. Learning to frame a shot properly is an important aspect of good video production.
How To: Use screen direction in amateur film making
In this episode of Jim Shorts, you can take a look at the flow, or screen direction aspect of your video. Knowing how to use screen direction can help you move your story along. Not knowing how to use it can disrupt your story, or bring it to a halt altogether. Use these handy tips to help out your amateur film making.
How To: Operate a 16mm motion picture projector
This nifty tutorial from the United States Air Force will teach you how to operate a 16mm Motion Picture Projector, should you ever come in contact with one. Operate a 16mm motion picture projector.
How To: Use the 35mm adapter for your digital camcorder
Want to challenge the filmmakers who spend millions of dollars on their films, yet, still have the nerve to call themselves indie? Pick up a 35mm adapter or build one yourself and you can give your movies that "film look" and start being taken more seriously!
How To: Build a Camcorder Steadycam
Jason, from The Gadget Show, shows us how it's possible to build your own Steadycam for only £50 (97.65500 U.S. dollars)!
How To: Use different camera shutter speeds for great effects
Ever notice the dreamy quality of a British sitcom? How about the "shellshock" look used in war movies? And we're all familiar with the look of an amateur home video, which can be...surreal. Believe it or not, these effects are created in the camera's shutter speed, and very rarely in post-production.
How To: Use camera angles for more than just a cool shot
Camera angles can be expressed in both physical and psychological terms. The first episode presents the physical angles: low-angle, high-angle, and dutch angle.
How To: Create the zero budget 3D Pulfrich effect
3D with one camera? With no computer manipulation? With one lens from some sunglasses? How is this possible? Pulfrich Time Parallax, my friends...
How To: Use a 16mm Bolex camera
Watch this video series for a tutorial on using the various features of the Bolex 16mm camera. Part 1 of 6 - How to Use a 16mm Bolex camera.
How To: Use basic composition in a single camera setup
This episode of Take Zer0 discusses the differences between the multi-camera format used in television, and the single-camera setup most often used in film production. Since it's likely that indie filmmakers have access to only one camera, we will explain and offer examples of how to efficiently shoot multiple takes with one camera to convey a single action.
How To: Make a leveled camera holder for self recording
To record yourself from a distance with a video camera, build this. Not just for boring static shots, like using a tripod, but for moving shots that you can take along with you. Yes, now you can follow yourself around all day, taping every move, you narcissist.
How To: Build your own DIY camera dolly
Does your production need the smooth graceful movement of a dolly, but lack the $1,800 it would cost to buy one? Welcome the DIY Dolly! Watch this episode, as Erik and Jared show you how to build your very own dolly.
How To: Build your own ten foot long camera dolly track
Need some smooth pan shots for your indie film? How about a cool dolly zoom effect? Well, you don't need to be a professional filmmaker to use such a device, but you do need the money for the gear. But—if you can work your way around the workshop, you can probably build your own camera dolly and track just fine. And for under $100! This video shows you how to build your own DIY dolly and dolly track, and all you need are the parts listed below. Then you just need to learn the art of the dolly...
How To: Make a shoebox lens for your camera
You can make a great picture effect with just an ordinary shoe box, some paint, a magnifying glass, and a piece of plastic. Try this for a great camera lens trick.
How To: Make super smooth pan shots with your camera tripod
Want to have super smooth pan shots? Yes? Well, all you need is some simple, stretched out, rubber bands. That's it.
How To: Use camera stabilization equipment
In this episode, we dive into the expensive, or, at the least, tedious realm of camera stabilization equipment. This ranges from the all-powerful, all-knowing fluid tripod head, to the much used and often abused dolly. We don't own and operate an actual Steadicam or a jib or a crane, but hey, we'll mention them, too.
How To: Create a simulated shallow depth of field
60 Second Filmmaking Lessons explains how to create a simulated shallow depth of field when shooting video, podcasts, or photography.
How To: Make your own track dolly
Build a track dolly for about £80. This is great for getting professional dolly shots when making your own films.
How To: Film in a moving vehicle
Jennifer demonstrates an in car video camera techniques by showing different ways to shoot video from a moving vehicle.
How To: Use deceptive shooting by crunching the depth of field
Mark and Andrew demonstrate how to crunch the depth of field to achieve two camera tricks. By crunching the field of view it makes the action closer than it really is. Often used when filming fight scenes or being "hit by a car" scene.
How To: Shoot better hand-held footage with your video camera
Jennifer gives Melissa, a beginning videographer, some pointers on shooting better hand-held footage.
How To: Shoot sunrise or sunsets on video
It's very hard to capture a sunrise on camera. Yes, you can get a general feeling from a single shot: the hazy, blue-orange rays of light peeking through the clouds in a sunrise or the crimson red streaks of sun dappling darkening skies in a sunset. But to truly capture a sunset or a sunrise, you have to experience them.
How To: Create different shot types with your video camera
Issac explains what different shot types are: from the establishing shot to the extreme close up, and how they can be used to enhance your videos.
How To: Shoot landscapes on film
John talks about some techniques that are used to capture vast landscapes in a small frame.
How To: Stabilize your video filming with a wheelchair
Issac shows another way to create better-looking videos using a wheelchair and a friend to create steady shots.
How To: Use a "pan" and "tilt" when filming
Issac demonstrates what a "pan" and a "tilt" are and how they can improve the quality of the shots in your videos.
How To: Avoid making the 7 biggest mistakes in camera work
Videomaker demonstrates the 7 biggest mistakes made when shooting video and how to avoid them.
How To: Shoot underwater video
Here's a short tip from Videomaker magazine on how to shoot underwater video without having to purchase that expensive underwater housing. Go get wet!
How To: Use the "180 degree rule" in filming
Also known as the Line of Action, the 180 Degree Rule is an important fundamental to communicating the action through careful camera positioning. Jennifer O'Rourke walks us through it.
How To: Steady your video camera
Isaac gives some helpful tips on keeping your camcorder steady.
How To: Make a video camera stabilizer
This is sort of like a homemade steadicam without the harness and everything that makes it keep the camera straight. This is kinda just a stick you attach to the camera.
How To: Make a underwater video housing
Make a underwater video housing for less than $20.
How To: Install a vario-switar 16-100m lens battery
Watch this video to learn how to change the power zoom battery in this legendary Bolex camera lens.
How To: Create a zero budget plank camera
We love these guys because they do it for the love of it. How can you get those smooth tracking shots that glide over obstacles without track, steadycam, jib or all those other expensive pieces of equipment? Find a plank!
How To: Build a camera jib crane
In this DIY video, we show you how we built our camera crane. This was all done with a table saw, drill and hack saw.
How To: Build a radio controlled camera pod
Watch this video to learn how to make a radio controlled camera rig that can tilt and pan like an expensive security camera. This is an amazing tool for movie making! Stick to your budget.
How To: Make a hand held jib
How to build a hand held jib out of easily obtained materials from a building supply store to make more interesting videos.
How To: Shoot great video with pantyhose or a door stop
Here are 5 great little tips for anyone who has a camcorder. Cheap too, less than $10 for all 5! Have fun making videos!
How To: Build a $25 camera crane
The guys at Indy Mogul show you the Camera Crane (turbo mini jib) that ANYONE can afford! Attach it to your tripod and that good looking girl in your English class might mistake you for George Lucas...not sure if that'll help your chances with her, though.