Creating professional-looking videos on a tight budget, especially using mobile phones, is becoming increasingly popular and accessible. Here are some tips and techniques gathered from various sources that can help you make high-quality videos without breaking the bank.
Equipment and Setup
1) Stabilisation Tools: Use affordable equipment like tripods, selfie sticks with tripods, gorilla grips, or gimbals to stabilise your phone during shooting. These tools can greatly enhance the quality of your footage by reducing shakiness.
2) Lighting: Natural lighting is your best friend. Film during daylight hours or near a window to use natural light. If natural light isn’t available, consider investing in a cheap studio light. Avoid having the light source directly behind your subject to prevent backlighting issues.
3) Audio: Good audio is crucial. If you don’t have an external microphone, you can use your phone’s headset as it has a built-in mic. This is a simple yet effective way to improve audio quality.
4) Storage and Battery: Ensure you have enough storage space on your phone as standard filming can use about 150MB per minute. Also, start with a full battery and consider carrying a power bank.
5) Camera Lenses: Use the standard and ultra-wide lenses available on most smartphones. Avoid using the front ‘selfie’ camera as it is generally of lower quality.
Shooting Techniques
Film Horizontally: Unless you’re shooting specifically for a platform that uses vertical video (like Instagram Stories), it’s better to shoot in landscape mode.
Focus and Exposure: Lock the focus and exposure on your smartphone to maintain a consistent image quality. Avoid using digital zoom as it can pixelate the footage.
Angles and Composition: Experiment with different filming angles to create the desired mood. Use the ‘rule of thirds’ to frame your shots effectively. Remember, the angle at which you shoot can significantly impact the video’s feel and message.
Movement: If moving while filming, use controlled, slow movements to avoid shaky footage. The ‘ninja walk’ technique can be helpful for stabilising handheld shots.
Editing
Organize Files: Keep all your video files organized in one place for ease of access during editing.
Software: There are various editing apps available for both Android and iPhone, such as Kinemaster, Splice, and Quik. These apps offer a range of features to trim clips, add transitions, and more. There is also a new breed of apps like ShoutOut that brands and edit videos automatically, including adding titles and name captions.
Soundbites and Cutaways: Use interviews or soundbites to craft your narrative. Add cutaways or B-roll footage for visual interest and to support the story you are telling.
Titles and Transitions: Use titles and transitions to enhance the flow of the video.
Exporting: Finally, export your edited video in the desired format and resolution.
Authenticity in Video Production
In the realm of social media and online content, authenticity often resonates more with audiences than traditional, glossy productions. This trend is supported by a growing preference for content that feels more genuine and relatable. By using the aforementioned tips and embracing the unique qualities of modern video production and smartphone videography, creators can produce content that not only looks professional but also feels authentic and engaging.
By following these guidelines for the best video editing techniques for smartphones, you can create compelling and professional-looking content with low-cost video production, harnessing the power of your mobile phone. This democratization of video production has been further revolutionized by platforms like ShoutOut, making it easier and more affordable for people to create quality content. Remember, the key to successful video content is not just the technical quality, but also the authenticity and creativity of the storytelling.
