After several weeks off topic, where I discussed my novel being offered for free, and my appearance at the Comic Con, it is time to get back to making movies.
Recapping what we had previously discussed, we have visualized how we want our movie, and created a storyboard. Now it is time for us to create the movie.
How you create your movie will depend on what you are making. Is it you narrating a section of the novel, or is it a book trailer which is just an advertisement of the book? Furthermore, how you create it will also depend on the type of movie software you are using; in my case it is Microsoft Movie Maker.
If you have decided to appear in your movie, you need to consider location. This will depend on what type of camera you are using to video record yourself. If you are using a webcam, then you will need to be near your computer. If you are using a video camera, then you have the luxury of more options for location.
No matter which type of video camera you are using, it is vital you understand the concept of lighting. As a minimum, you will need three lights:
KEY LIGHT: Which is the main lighting source. It is the strongest of the three. Set it as a high angle to you.
FILL LIGHT: Defines intensity and shadows. Weaker light and usually is cast by a bounce card.
BACKLIGHT- Separates you from the background. Sometimes can be used as a low or high light, or both.
The lighting of your set is a very complex and requires some research on your part. I suggest you try different lighting schemes, video yourself and see which one works the best. Remember, you should not be in a rush to make this movie; quality is more important than how fast you get done.
You will also need to do a test run on the clothing you will be wearing. You may look great wearing a white shirt during the day, but this white shirt may “flare” when filming it blinds the viewer. Pure black does the opposite, making it appears that you are filming at midnight. Additionally, avoid stripes because these may appear on camera as a psychedelic pattern.
The following advice also pertains to your background. Your background should not be white; this will dull your appearance on camera. If you have a white wall near your computer and using a webcam, you might want to put some background such as a bookcase, or tapestry on your wall to remove the impact of the whiteness.
Speaking of backgrounds, there is a difference between a background and backdrop. For our purposes, I am using background as the natural setting behind you, something that is there. A backdrop is an artificial setting behind you.
I know some people make videos using stationary or digital backdrops. A stationary backdrop is basically a large picture or scene. The digital backdrop is a special effect where you video yourself in front of a colored background, either blue or green (Chroma Key photography), and then your computer will input a design into it. Be careful if you want to use either of these techniques; the results can look impressive, or they can look very amateurish and cheesy.
Thank you for visiting. Leave a comment about the videos you have made.
Next time we will talk about scene transitions and other edits. Soon, I will also have a reveal for my book trailer for "Legend of the Mystic Knights".
There is a lot to consider with the lighting for a video. I hadn't considered all of the things you've brought up. You're right - it doesn't pay to rush. It would be worth it to do some research and trial runs.
ReplyDeleteReally fascinating William. I've made book trailers before but nothing on the level you're talking about so this is all new to me and quite eye-opening.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! Thanks for sharing. I make before and after home organizing and organizing experiment videos to help kids understand the importance of organizing. I would like to do more with me in front of the screen instead of behind the camera. These tips really help with this.
ReplyDeleteA lot of good pointers here. I once did a video for work in which I was interviewed with a window overlooking the Manhattan skyline behind me. Sounded like a great idea but I didn't take the lighting issues you brought up into consideration and it ended up looking terrible.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips William - especially the lighting ones. I hadn't even heard of those terms but they will help immensely the day I decide to make a video. Having the correct search terms will help get the correct information. Thanks for sharing and good luck with the video. Hope you have fun with it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't made any videos, but these are great tips about lighting! I thinking lighting is important, period! When decorating, I often tell people that you can have less than stellar artwork, but if it is lit properly it might look museum quality. So it stands to reason that it would hold significant importance to a video production.
ReplyDeletePeople end up being surprised with the final outcome their camara might produce. Cameras do not see light, as we do. So sometimes you need to view the work during a practice run to make sure it is what you think you are seeing.
DeleteLighting can be so tricky. I am getting better at adjusting when taking photos, but it's still hit and miss, especially so for videos. Today's cameras tend to be able to adjust nicely for the novice, but it's still worth it to learn how to tinker to get the best lighting effects.
ReplyDeleteI always learn something from your posts, William! I would be so scared to do a movie, but it's encouraging to see you working through the process.
ReplyDeleteI would not be too afraid of making a movie. With software, even with Movie Maker, the project can be easy. Try one for fun; maybe make a holiday or vacation movie. I think once you try it, you will enjoy doing it.
DeleteExcellent tips. I've made a couple youtube videos and realized that the lighting isn't just right. I need to also get a camera as well. The laptop camera can only do so much.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the informative article. After years as an actress, I'm super aware of the importance of lighting but not so aware of how to actually set of lighting myself. I enjoyed your explanation and will surely reference it in the future. I've wanted to make some youtube videos but have wanted to make sure they are lit correctly so I imagine this will come in handy!
ReplyDeleteWow! Great information about back ground lights. I was amazed to do, it really is a science.
ReplyDeleteNow, I know, why, when I use webcam, with white background and light on back, my family tell me, that picture is blur.
This post can help many other there, who will be making their videos.
William- The tips you gave for lighting with a movie also applies if we want to take professional looking pictures that are not on our smartphones but with a good digital camera. Great tips
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