Take your Smart phone and transform it into a movie making machine!
Modern-day smartphone cameras are so much improved that many people have been replacing fancy camera equipment with them. One good thing is if you are an amateur or under a budget, you do not need to spend a lot when you have a smartphone with a quality camera. Always keep in mind that you are engaging the audience, not with the camera gimmicks but with a great plot, storyline, and performances from your actors. Check out the below tips if you are passionate about mobile filmmaking.
STABILIZATION
A shaky camera makes your film amateurish. Stabilized images or videos are commonly taken by using a Tripod. If you are able to buy a handheld gimbal, then cinematic shots could be taken with ease and perfection with your phone. Don’t want to spend on tripods and gimbals? Be creative and use things lying around to support your phone so that it will be standing still when you are taking a shot.
LOCATION
Always select the least crowded areas unless your story demands otherwise. Choose a location with less or no noise. Make sure that you have adequate lighting in the location, otherwise, you will have to bring your own lighting equipment.
EXTERNAL MICROPHONE
Most of the smartphones' microphones are not advanced yet. So, it will be wise to invest in external microphones if you are serious about your film. Don’t go for the fancy expensive ones! Buy a microphone that provides clear audio to the audience. A lapel mic may do wonders for you.
LANDSCAPE MODE
Rotate your phones! That is how professionals do it. Shooting in portrait mode compresses the video and the viewers won’t be happy to see a movie with a shorter aspect ratio.
LIGHTING
Lighting plays a major role in setting a scene and thereby the quality of your filmmaking. Avoid shooting in the middle of the day as the bright sun will overexpose your shots. Always shoot during golden hour and blue hour when you are planning outdoor shoots. Golden hour is the right time after sunrise or right before sunset. Blue hour occurs right before sunrise or after sunset. When shooting indoors, better to buy some cheap lighting equipment and make sure your subjects are well lit.
APPS
There are a variety of apps that help you take cinematic videos with a professional touch. Filmic Pro is the most recommended one which lets you control the exposure, frame rate, and focus of a shot. Once you are done with the shooting, you can edit the videos on your phone using apps like Kinemaster, Adobe Rush, etc.
START SHOOTING!
Once you hone your phone film-making skills, you can always add on lenses, Rigs, and other audio equipment to make your film more and more professional. And remember, you can always showcase your tiny masterpieces in the Litebox community. So, what are you waiting for! Grab your phones and start shooting!
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budget film making, films under a budget, iPhone films, mobile film making, mobile motion, phone film making, phone films, Samsung films, short films, smartphone films, smartphone videography