Video Production: Successful DIY (Do It Yourself!) Tips and Tricks
By Robert Benoit Updated: November 18, 2014
When it comes to video production, budgetary reasons can have a big impact on available access to proper film equipment. As a result, the process may require a guerrilla-style approach to achieving a specific or desired shot.
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These production tips will give you brilliant and innovative ways to acquire the visual style that you’ll need with every day household items at your disposal without spending thousands of dollars.
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Cardboard Dolly
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This may sound like a strange approach to getting a tracking shot, but in fact it might be one of the most effective that can be accomplished in a matter of seconds.
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All you need to do is find a stable counter top or any flat surface to place a square piece of cardboard on. Once you do this, place the camera on top of the cardboard and use your fingers to slide the square along the surface. This will create a seamlessly smooth shot that resembles a dolly shot. However, it must be said that you should be careful with the camera and be certain it will not fall, as it won’t be locked in place.
The Skateboard Wheel Dolly
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While this can cost around £60 to craft, it is quick and won’t cost nearly anywhere in the range of a professional dolly that might cost upwards of £3,000. Now you’re wondering how a dolly with skateboard wheels could have the same result as a profession one? It is actually quite simple.
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What you’ll need is a few simple things you can get at your local hardware store. You will need eight skateboard wheels, nuts and washers, two v-metal plates, one short 4 by 4 piece of wood that must be sliced in two, and a thick piece of wood in the shape of a square.
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Drilling the wood pieces together and screwing the metal v-plates on each leg will create the stable surface needed, followed by attaching the wheels to establish mobility.
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There are a ton of tutorial videos on YouTube that explain the step-by-step process that will help you put this dolly together in no time
Click the image for link to original article on Knice Creative.
Kite Aerial Shot
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Now an aerial shot is an incredible and jaw-dropping one that most believe can only be captured with the help of a helicopter or drone. However, for most this is not feasible on a low budget.
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All you need to achieve this masterful shot is a nice windy day, a kite, and a small camera that can be securely fastened to the kite.
Some words of advice before sending you camera up into the air:
Use a GoPro or perhaps your iPhone as a means of taking pictures as these are lightweight and will easily take aerial photos. Being aware of your surroundings is important, that way your kite will not collide with anything so as to not damage your camera. Using bubble wrap or a lightweight insulator can act as a protective covering for your camera, but definitely be thoughtful before sending an expensive camera flying high.
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There are settings on iPhones or Cameras that have timed interval settings that will capture footage for specified periods of time. GoPros are ideal for this sort of filming because you can operate the camera from your iPhone on the ground for much better footage control.
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Innovative Light Diffusion
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Camera movement is essential, but what’s on the camera is greatly impacted by lighting. Proper illumination outdoors is easy during the day with natural lighting, but filming at night as well as indoors requires lighting equipment. Professional lighting equipment can cost a pretty penny and, often times, isn’t necessary with a small budget.
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Aiming a basic lamp with a tungsten bulb, which costs under £100, at a white bed sheet or shower curtain can work as a gel. By doing so, you can achieve a soft and professional looking effect on your subject.
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In terms of bouncing light, a professional light reflector can run for approximately £20. A cheap alternative to this would be a reflective car sunshade, which is goes for less than half the price of the professional reflector. While this doesn’t sound like much, some productions need to save as much money as possible while attaining a high quality image.
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By following some of these some DIY tips and tricks, you can be well on your way to developing a professional video production and also save precious budget money!