Filmmaking for Beginners
By
User:mconlin @timeAndDate(1284662793)
Lights. Camera. Action. Red carpets. Paparazzi. You want it all. The first step to getting this is by learning filmmaking from square one. This guide is intended as a howouts of independent filmmaking and get going.
Getting the Camera
As a beginner, you're going to want to start with digital because these are the easiest cameras to learn how to use. Look for camcorders that have the little screen, not just the viewfinder. It's easier to film that way. Other features for consideration include HD, recording format (miniDV, DV, DVD, digital .mov or .avi files), weight of camcorder, battery life, and durability. If you plan on making silly online "sharing" movies, portable cameras like the Flip are a good choice. For something like family videos, school projects, or indie movie-making, try an HD model that can stand some wear and tear.
Filters and Lenses
If you're unfamiliar with lenses, here are the the basic choices:
Cases
When you're considering buying a case, there are several important factors to acknowledge:
* Is your camera heavy? Do you bring a lot of accessories along with it?
* How far are you expecting to travel and what means of transportation do you have?
* Are you going outside/in nature or are you going to be in an urban/community setting?
* How much do you care about fashion and are you willing to have fanny-pack looking accessory bags?
Once you've got these questions sorted out, you will be able to find the right bag. Look for details like material, padding, water-proofing, longevity, and space.
Cords
Tripods
Aside from the camera, you might want to equip yourself with some basic filmmaking necessities and conveniences. Things like lenses, tripods, camera carrying cases, extra batteries, power cords,
A/V cables, and microphones are all useful. The tripod will balance your camera and is useful for any panning or tilting shots. A carrying case can fit the camera, manual, wires, extra batteries, power cords, and lenses. The microphones you use should be able to connect directly into your recording device's USB port, so look for a camera mic or buy a conversion cable.
Filming
Before you start filming you should play with your equipment a bit and get used to everything. You don't have to worry too much about light sensitivity, formatting, or sound recording just yet, but you might want to check out these some features anyway.
Digital camcorders will have a menu that will allow you to adjust color, saturation, and volume, and et you switch to widescreen or HD. Read the manual that comes with the camera for specifics on how to adjust those features.
'''Light Sensitivity'''
'''Format'''
Formatting is a generic term that can encompass anything from the way your camcorder/camera will read your memory stick for still photo capture to the type of recording material your camera will take (HDV, miniDV, DVD, Super8, 16mm, 35mm).
'''Choosing a Video Format'''
'''Live Sound Recording'''
'''Types of Shots '''
Now that you're acquainted with the equipment a little, it's time to show you some basic shots.
Editing
You can work on the Windowsprovided applications for movie editing and experiment to get the results you want. They're an easy way to practice and get used to mixing video and audio for projects.
'''Video'''
You can import the video files directly into the program (this option is usually listed under ''File'' on the menu bar). Some programs will even let you click and drag. Try playing with the cut and transition tools. Most of these allow for non-destructive editing so you won't destroy the original files.
Some thirdPremiere'>Adobe. If you want to take a stab at professional grade programs, also consider taking a class that will teach you how to use them to their potential because they're expensive.
'''Audio'''
Every room has what is called a ''room tone'': different takes and locations will produce varying hums. This is something to be aware of if you're trying to create continuity in your editing. The way to avoid this is to replace your sound in postfilter'>pop filter.
DVD Burning
Once you're done making your movie file, export it to your drive and burn a DVD using a program like
Famous Directors
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Camera Tripods
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Camcorder Cables
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Camcorders
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Digital Camcorders
