Posts Tagged ‘advice’

Film Recording

Sunday, June 1st, 2008

Recording Your Next Feature Film with Professional Results

This might come as a surprise to you, but there is a single piece of equipment that will provide the best results imaginable when you are working on your next feature film. With a cost of well under $50 for basic models, and around $100 for professional models the piece of equipment that you need is quite affordable and will fit into any budget. Another huge benefit is the fact that it is quite small, can expand to a wide range of sizes and is versatile enough to hold almost anything you need. Curiosity is of course eating away at you right this moment, you are probably thinking about the ultimate in high tech devices but this moment but the answer will surprise you. A tripod is actually the best piece of equipment that you need.

Seems rather surprising does it? The simple tripod which merely holds your camera is more important than just about anything else that you purchase for your filmmaking adventures. While this might seem really strange to you it is a fact that a poorly shot video will be not only distracting but show the lack of quality. People simply cannot focus when the camera is always out of focus for some reason or another. This leaves you with problems trying to produce a good quality film that people will actually be interested in watching.

A tripod might seem like a luxury since it will hold your camera but in reality, it is a requirement. Stop and think about all of the home videos that you have ever watched. The majority usually have a bad case of camera shake going on. This creates minor annoyance at times, and huge distractions at other times. Working to eliminate this problem from your feature films is critical in order to gain respect and get the proper attention that you deserve. If all of your films have a serious case of camera shake going on, it will be extremely hard for people to take you and your work serious.

Just imagine how upset you would be to go to a movie theater and buy a ticket to a movie that is loaded with camera shake. It would be quite upsetting and your audience is certainly no different. While some filmmakers are able to develop an arm of steel that does not shake or move while recording most find that standing perfectly still with no movement is almost impossible. A small tripod reduces the camera shake down to almost zero and makes it much easier to instead focus on zooms, pans and tilts that will enhance and improve your film, rather than detracting from them.

If you are just starting out in your film making quests you can generally start with a small personal styled tripod for around $20 or so. This will allow you to get started and focus money on different areas. However, it is essential to ensure that the tripod you select is adjustable, both for the types of cameras that it will hold, but also the height levels. You should also ensure that it is sturdy and stable as well. If the cheaper model is not stable under the weight of your particular camera, it will need to be replaced quickly with a better model. You should also feel free to take the time to analyze the stand that you purchase and learn how to adjust it quickly as well. This will allow the filming process to be reduced substantially, as well as allow you to play with various shots as the creative juices are flowing during filming.

As you can now see, while a tripod might not seem like the most important piece of equipment it really is. Cutting costs and buying a cheap tripod might seem like the best use of your money, but always ensure that you get a good quality tripod that can hold up the stress that you will be putting on it. Remember, buying a single tripod that is good and lasts will be much cheaper than continuously replacing cheaper models. Plus, you will notice a difference in the camera shake between quality levels as well.

NEW 9' Laser Tripod for Topcon-Spectra-LEICA-Apache-ETC
US $79.95 (1 Bid)
End Date: Friday Jan-09-2009 14:08:18 PST
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The Dangers of Documenting Illegal Activities with Online Video Websites

Wednesday, May 21st, 2008

Each day, a large number of individual make an online video. Online videos, in most cases, are displayed on online video websites. While online videos are fun to make and share with others, there are a number of things that you should be concerned about. One of those things is the use of illegal activities in your online videos.

As previously mentioned, online videos are most commonly hosted on online video websites. Online video websites are websites that allow internet users to view videos or make and upload their own. In most cases, this is done free of charge. A number of popular online video websites, such as Google Video and YouTube, have restrictions in place. Those restrictions often prohibit the use of certain video material. While a large number of video sites do have restrictions, not all do. Even though you may be able to make a movie of whatever you want and post it, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should.

It is becoming popular to document your “bad,” side online. There are many individuals, especially high school students and college students, who are trying to impress others. Unfortunately, this often results in the documentation of dangerous or illegal activities. While you may think that it is harmless to post a small video of you and your friends getting into a fight, vandalizing something, or using drugs or alcohol, there are a number of ramifications, many of which you probably never even thought about.

When documenting the use of drugs, underage drinking, vandalism, or anything else that is considered illegal, it is important to remember that you are committing a crime. Most police departments will not scour the internet in search of online photographs or videos, but they may come across your online videos on accident. While you may not be able to be arrested, most officers are actually required to see you in the act, you may raise suspicions. If you enjoy participating in illegal activities, such as underage drinking, there is a good chance that you will continue to participate in them. With suspicion arose, there is a good chance that you may be being watched by your local authorities.

In addition to the authorities, if you are student, whether you are a college student or a high school student, there is a good chance that you could be suspended from school. Across the country, there have been numerous reports of school officials finding online content, including videos hosted on online video websites, that document illegal activities. These activities often included underage drinking, drug use, or threats against other students. In addition to be spoken to by your local police department, there is also the chance of school suspension or suspension for any school related activities, such as sports.

The possibility of being suspended from school and talked to by your local police department are things that could happen right away. Despite what you may think, your online video could come back to haunt you in a couple of years. Most online video websites will allow you to remove your video, if and when you choose to do so. However, it is likely that a large number of individuals have already seen it. Although they are not supposed, it is also possible that your video has been reproduced and redistributed throughout the internet. If illegal activities were documented in your online video, there is a good chance that you could be terminated from your job, especially if your video was viewed by your employer. Also, there are a large number of employers who use the internet to research their new applicants. Your online video, especially if it documented the use or participation in illegal activities, could prevent you from getting that new job that you always dreamed about.

As much fun as you may think it would be to make a video of your next underage drinking party, you are advised against doing so. Perhaps, it is best to stay cautious. You can never tell who will be watching your video and what they will do about it.

What You Need to Make Your Own Online Videos

Friday, February 8th, 2008

Online video websites; there is a good chance that you have heard of them before. In fact, there is a good chance that you have even used them before. When it comes to using online video websites, most internet users only view the videos that are available. Did you know what you could also do more than that? A large number of online video websites will not only allow you to view videos, but make and share you own.

Making and sharing your own videos, sounds exciting doesn’t it? If it does there is a good chance that you would like to get started right away. However, before making plans for your next online video, you are advised to think about how the process works. This is important because it will let you know what type of equipment you will need to get started.

Before uploading and sharing you newly created online video, you will first have to shoot it. To do this, you will need video recording equipment. Video recording equipment can include camcorders, webcams, cell phones, and digital cameras. If you are looking to produce a quality video, you may want to think about using a camcorder or a webcam. Cell phones and digital cameras will work, but many only provide you with a limited amount of recording time. In addition to a limited amount of time, not all digital cameras and cell phones will record sounds. Although these sounds can be added in later, it may be time consuming.

Once you have created your online video, you will need to find a way to get it to your computer. Most recording devices, including camcorders, webcams, digital cameras, and cell phones will come with the necessary equipment. This equipment often includes computer cables. Once you hook your recording device up to your computer, your video should begin to load. However, for this to be done you will need to have movie making software installed on your computer.

When it comes to movie making software, you will likely find that your computer already has a program on it. Most computers, especially ones made within the last few years, have the software programs preinstalled. If your video does not automatically load, once your recording device is hooked up to your computer, it may be a sign that your computer does not have a movie making program. If this is the case, you will need to purchase some. Movie making software programs can easily be purchased online or from a wide variety of different retail stores.

Once your video has been loaded onto your computer and recognized by movie making software, you have a number of different options. If you are satisfied with your video, as it is, you can save it and then move on. If you would like to make alterations, now would be the time to do so. Depending on the type of movie making software you have, you should easily be able to edit your video. This editing may include, but should not be limited to, deleting scenes, adding captions, and the adding of music. Once you have made all of your edits, you will need to save your movie.

The final step to making an online movie is to find an online video website that you can upload your video to. Popular online video websites including YouTube and Goggle Video; however, you can find additional sites by performing a standard internet search. After you follow the directions, provided by each individual online video website, your video should be displayed for the rest of the world to see.