The Secret to making BETTER VIDEOS - 5 WAYS to grow as a Filmmaker

In the world of video production, the quest to create captivating, high-quality content often leads many to believe that investing in the latest and greatest gear is the key to success. But today, we're going to reveal a secret that has the power to transform your filmmaking abilities without the need for costly equipment upgrades. It all boils down to one word: INTENT.

When it comes to producing exceptional videos, making intentional choices in every aspect of filmmaking is the most crucial skill you can master. It's not about buying more gear or relying on fancy LUTs; it's about understanding the 'why' behind every decision you make during the filmmaking process.

Camera Movement: The Art of Visual Storytelling

Camera movement is a fundamental aspect of filmmaking that can greatly impact the way your story unfolds. Whether you're pushing the camera forward, pulling it back, or tracking your subject's movement, it's essential to ask yourself why you're making these choices.

• Forward Motion: Does pushing the camera forward bring the audience closer to the next scene, or does it emphasize the significance of a moment, delving into someone's thoughts or memories?
• Backward Motion: Does pulling back physically distance the viewer from the scene, or does it reveal something new and crucial within it?
• Subject Tracking: When tracking a subject over a distance, the focus shifts to both the subject and their surroundings. Conversely, panning or tilting from a fixed point emphasizes the subject.

The key here is motivation. A movement that lacks motivation can easily become a distraction and detract from your storytelling. Understanding the relationship between camera movement and your subject is the secret to creating a more immersive experience for your viewers.

Framing: Painting a Picture with Your Shots

Framing plays a significant role in conveying the emotions and messages within your scenes. Your choices in framing can either guide your audience's attention or evoke specific feelings.

• Rule of Thirds: This classic rule directs the viewer's gaze to where the subject is looking, creating a sense of balance and harmony in the shot.
• Centered Framing: Placing your subject at the center of the frame emphasizes its importance and draws the viewer's focus.
• Leading Lines: Using elements in the scene to create a visual pathway to your subject enhances the viewer's connection to the story.
• Dutch Tilt: A tilted frame can communicate uneasiness or tension, adding depth to the narrative.
• Point of View: Viewing the scene through the eyes of your character allows the audience to experience the moment from their perspective, deepening their emotional connection.
• Natural Framing: Framing your subject using elements in the scene can not only draw attention but also convey specific emotions, such as loneliness or confinement.

By approaching each frame with these considerations in mind, you can significantly elevate your storytelling capabilities and create more compelling content.

Gear Selection: Choosing the Right Tools

Selecting the right gear is pivotal in achieving the desired outcome for your film. One of the most critical decisions is whether to use a gimbal or go handheld.

• Gimbal vs. Handheld: While gimbals offer dynamic movements, it's essential to assess whether they complement your scene or if a bit of camera shake might convey more emotion. Each choice should have a clear motivation.
• Camera Rigging: Deciding whether to rig your camera or shoot bare also requires intent. A heavier rig can provide stable handheld footage and accommodate essential accessories, but only if needed. Sometimes, agility and speed are more critical than additional equipment.
• Lenses: Different lenses provide distinct perspectives. A close-up with a wide lens creates intimacy, while a long lens establishes distance. Shot listing with your chosen lenses in mind can lead to more intentional storytelling.
• Drones: Drones can be a powerful tool for capturing unique perspectives, but they can also be a distraction. It's essential to use drones purposefully, saving them for moments that truly enhance the narrative.

Music: The Soul of Your Edit

Music is the foundation of your video, setting the tone and evoking emotions. To harness its full potential, you must select music that aligns with your story's energy and message.

• Pre-production Music Selection: Ideally, finding music before filming allows you to align your shots with the music's rhythm and pace, resulting in a more harmonious edit.
• Music and Editing: The intensity of the music should complement the energy created by cuts and movements. Ensure that your music choice does not overshadow the visuals.
• Creating Custom Tracks: Sometimes, it's necessary to craft a custom soundtrack by combining elements from multiple songs to achieve the desired emotional impact.

Frame Rates: The Timing of Your Story

Finally, being intentional about frame rates is essential for conveying the right mood and style in your video.

• Realism with 25 FPS: A frame rate of 25 FPS is ideal for capturing natural motion and preserving audio. It enables viewers to experience the scene as it truly is, creating a sense of presence.
• Slow Motion as a Highlight: While higher frame rates can be cinematic, overusing slow motion can make your video feel stagnant. Save it for special moments to create contrast and captivate your audience.

Being intentional in these five areas may require practice, but it will undoubtedly lead to better results in your filmmaking journey. By mastering the art of intent, you'll captivate your audience and produce videos that resonate on a deeper level.