When it comes to mobile filmmaking and perfecting the art form, you need the various equipment, apps, and social media to master all the basics. You may have all the right equipment with you but there are some extra tips to be the perfect smartphone filmmaker. Take a look at some of the best tips for filmmaking with a smartphone. If your last video was shot badly, here's how you can improve your craft and look more professional.
Keep Your Phone on Airplane mode
Always consider putting your smartphone in airplane mode while filming. Whether it is a text message or a phone call, it will pick on your microphone and the resulting sound can hamper your video. Vibrations can shake the proceedings and you need to turn it off too. If you require an Internet connection while you are filming a Facebook live, you may put your phone on the 'Do Not Disturb' mode which will put a stop to receiving the incoming calls.
Smartphone Microphones May Not be the Best Option For You
The built-in microphone is not always the best option for recording quality audio. More often than not they do not have professional quality microphones, are omnidirectional, and may pick up the surrounding sounds. The sound elements may change as you move or use the smartphone. So, installing an external microphone attached to the Smartphone is an ideal solution. Close in on the subject if you want to while you are filming with a built-in microphone and ensure that you are not three feet away. Be careful to avoid any jarring sounds that may mar your filmmaking. It is best to film where it is really quiet.
Check the Focus
Your phone may be smart enough to find and focus on your talent. If you want to gain full control, then you can set the focus manually. Tap the phone’s screen and you will get that focus. Hold down the phone’s focus square to lock it in the same place. You will get the square within the focus and it will stay the same, as long as your subject stays put and does not move much.
The focus square also has a control on the exposure. So if you want to lock the focus, it is always smart to lock the exposure as well. This means, if your shot suddenly gets brighter or darker while you are in the process of filming, your exposure will not change and correct it. This practice should particularly be kept in mind if you are trying to capture your shot in natural light.
Keep it Real
Ensure that you structure the film around the limits of the cellphone and not as if you are shooting on a normal camera. Hence, keep in mind the restrictions of filmmaking via a phone and make the most of your cellphone. A cellphone is small and light, and you can take great shots using it. Some shots actually need a lighter and easy-to-carry camera, making the cellphone an ideal choice as you may not be able to do the same with a normal camera.
Edit it in your head as you prepare your shots. Make sure one shot leads to the next so that it will be easy to put the entire thing together. Also, avoid too many traveling shots without sufficient space. If you are following a character, ensure you shoot other things alongside. This may give you a break and opportunity to cut and make the entire experience of filmmaking greatly intriguing.
Improvisation is the Key
Learn to improvise while filming on the phone. For example, you may use a tripod using plastic / Blue-tak. It gives a really good framing and a steady shot. If you want a great ground view shot consider taking a sock and you can put sand or sea salt inside it. You can just tie the sock and put it on the ground.
You can place the phone on top of the sock to get a perfect shot of people walking. You can even keep the phone right at a shopping trolley. These hacks are easy to incorporate and elevate your filmmaking to the next level, even if you do not have the expensive equipment with you.
If you are looking for inspiration, these tips will guide you to accomplish professional filming goals on a smartphone. Let us know if these hacks worked for you and gave your films a professional feel.