Archives for the 'Tips & Tricks' Category
Remember to back up your data!
How would you feel if you worked really hard editing a video and then your computer crashes and you lose all your hard work? This happens more than you’d think. And this applies to not only your edited pieces but also your photos and documents. I’m willing to bet that the majority of people, including myself, don’t have a separate PC/Mac that is used ONLY for video editing. You probably use one computer for video, storing your family photos and documents. Well, guess what? If your hard drive fails, all these things will be gone forever!
Getting the best from non-actors
User HCoremark over at the HV20.com forums started a very helpful thread titled “Getting the best from non actors” in which various members have shared their tips/suggestions on how to get the best performance from non professional actors. The comments are very valuable such as:
“…keep encouraging them even if they’re really bad. I mean, they kind of know they’re not very good to begin with, but it would make things a whole lot worse if you keep saying things like “No, no, no…what was that?” I always just try to say “That was good, but let’s try it this way now.” And even if it’s going terribly bad while filming and you know it will be unusable, try not to cut them in the middle of it. You don’t want to annoy them or give them the idea they’re not doing well enough.”
Definitely head over to the thread and read two pages worth of really good tips!
Do-It-Yourself steadycams, jibs and mounts
If you’re like me, you’re a broke film student who doesn’t have the cash to go out and buy fancy equipment. I don’t know of any student who owns an actual steadycam or mount. They’re expensive. Luckily there are people out there who are into film making and can also build stuff. And thanks to the wonderful internet, these do-it-yourself plans are available to everyone!
So whether you want to build a $14 steadycam or a sweet camera jib for only $60, DIY Life has you covered. Check out their awesome DIY Film School: Rigs and Mounts feature.
