You want to make a movie, music video or probably want to know how to create a meme but aren’t sure how to get started. You may have a general concept, but actually executing is difficult. So, let’s get started with these tips and tricks on how you can shoot and edit on your own.
Pre-Production
The first step is to not take on more than you can handle. Therefore, you will have to write a script that you can execute on your own. You should definitely keep your character count to one, which is yourself, and avoid becoming overly ambitious with your settings or activities. Keep in mind that every minor change in your scene may need you to adjust the camera, lighting, microphone, and other equipment on your own.
This advice also applies to your screenplay or your storyboard. You’ll want to arrange shots where you can have your camera fixed on a tripod unless you have other tools to do otherwise because while not impossible, it is highly difficult to move a camera and perform at the same time.
During the shoot, you’ll have a lot on your mind and no one to keep things in line. Even tasks you believe are ingrained may slip your memory. For this reason, you should plan in advance and maintain detailed notes of everything, from storyboards to usual checklists.
Production
When it’s time to shoot, get your gear ready. This can be anything and everything from your DSLR, specific types of lenses like a wide lens, audio recorder, and external monitor. Also, prepare for any stand-ins, such as a full-size mannequin, a chair, or a pillow, to get the proper setup for any lights, focus, etc. Once that’s done, record a sample of yourself just to ensure everything looks and sounds perfect. Make any last modifications to your audio and video settings if necessary.
If it’s your first time shooting alone, you may feel a sort of awkwardness with the silence. But try to take it positively. There’s no one else in the room except you, so you can boost your confidence by playing your favorite music, jogging in place, anything to shake it off, and feel freer to prevent sounding flat on video.
Once you start recording and you have a good take, it is best that you find some indicators to mark the end of the scene. You can clap your hands or cover the lens. Also, only keep track of what you require. Allowing the camera to roll continuously may not always be a good idea.
Do your takes, then stop the video, rewatch your footage, and listen to the audio to catch if it really was a good take or if there were any mistakes that need to be rectified. You don’t want to reset up everything just because you saw something was amiss during the video editing process.
The extra step here will definitely come in handy while you’re in the middle of the editing process. Taking your time will not be an issue as you are alone. Trying to constantly ensure you get things right can also make you more comfortable with shooting, and you will be satisfied with the output during the editing process.
Post-Production
Post-production can be just as hard as the production process. Just because you have all the material you need doesn’t mean the work is any easier. If anything, it can be the most crucial part as it is the final step into making sure the output you present to the world is worth it.
Choosing the proper software for you and your job is the first step. Video editing software includes all you need to make typical video edits, but you could choose one over the others due to its ease of use, digital interface, functionality.
Editing software that you may want to look into is VSDC. It is free video software that also allows for video and audio conversion. Magisto is another one used in several leading industries such as Samsung and Mitsubishi. It can be extremely helpful for beginners as they provide a lot of templates that can be used for any sort of theme or occasion.
These two are examples of two editing software that guarantee flexibility and ease of work. You will be able to add text and graphics, color correct your clips, work with your audio, and so much more.
You can watch tutorials to find a good match. You can search for them on YouTube, podcasts, and website blogs. The majority of the tutorials you’ll discover are free and open to the public, so do not worry about not having something readily available for you. If you already have specific software to edit video in mind, target your specific application version for lessons to create a certain aesthetic or a meme.
With the help of great video editing software, you can tell a great story. Go beyond the fundamentals, such as removing unnecessary material and rearranging your clips. Make use of the chance to make your film or meme visually appealing and dramatically fascinating in order to elicit the appropriate emotions and successfully communicate your message. Instead of merely adding a bunch of effects to dazzle your audience, use your practical and technical expertise to accomplish this.
Rewatch your drafts and all the way to your final edit to ensure its perfection.
Uploading the Final Output
If at the end of it all, you have finally edited your video and are satisfied with your work, it is time to upload your video. Depending on where you will be uploading your video, you may have to reduce the file size as it may be too large. Choosing a converter like D-Addicts can ensure that you have several audio and video formats supported while keeping the quality of your video even with its reduced size. The best part of it all is that it’s free too. This is probably the most satisfying part of the process as you can now enjoy the labors of your work.
Hope this guide has helped you. The New York Times also have their own beginner’s guide on how to make great videos on your phone, which you can check out as well.