Save money, time, and frustration with these simple DIY tips and hacks for filmmakers.
One of the best aspects of filmmaking is the lack of rules. There’s no set way to do things. Just take a look at some of these DIY filmmaking hacks and tricks from other filmmakers who have discovered affordable and quick ways to get the shot.
DIY Camera Tricks
One thing is for certain, your next video is only as good as the shots you capture. Nailing a smooth tracking shot, dolly, or capturing an interesting angle can be difficult. Our friends over at PremiumBeat put together this top notch list of simple cinematography hacks that covers methods such as camera stabilizers made of bean bags, a baby powder viewfinder, and the classic wheelchair dolly. One of the best hacks from the roundup is this excellent DIY Tripod Slider made by Filmora Video Editor.
Using only paper cups, or furniture sliders, you can easily slide your tripod across the floor. Watch them show you how.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHuOGh5kvUM
Shoulder mounts are a necessity for any new filmmaker who needs a stable shot without a tripod. Film Riot is an invaluable resource when it comes to DIY filmmaking and production solutions. They produced this helpful tutorial on building your very own shoulder mount for $25. Visit their YouTube page for a shopping list of all the parts you’ll need.
In another Film Riot DIY tutorial, you will learn how to put together a DIY dolly by placing the camera onto of the roof or hood of a car. Be sure to secure the camera in order to get that smooth shot.
Lighting is just as important as any other aspect of filmmaking. You don’t always have to have large light rigs — in fact, you can easily light your subjects with household items. For some easy-to-build and use lighting kits, check out these tutorials. DIY Light Kit
Have we mentioned how helpful Film Riot is for capturing cinematic footage on a DIY filmmaking budget? Here’s one more tutorial on building a DIY china ball with dimming light.
DIY Audio Solutions
Any time you’re interviewing a subject, narrating, or recording two actors in a scene, audio can be very tricky. Boost your skills with these hacks and tricks.
For $15, you can turn a simple handheld H1 audio recorder into a monster device. DSLR Video Shooter will show you how to add two XLR inputs and outputs in this tutorial.
Whether your subject is moving around in an intense action scene or walking through the park, hiding a lav mic can be challenging for many reasons. Aputure put together this thrilling video tutorial on the many ways you can creatively hide a lav mic on a subject.
This video from Media 6D will show you how to build a super-cheap DIY sound booth using a Ikea box and some acoustic foam. If you need a fixed location, you can always turn turn a closet into a DIY sound booth.
DIY Set Hacks
Working on a location with a very limited budget? Perhaps you spent all your money acquiring the location? Well, here are some set hacks that can help you shoot great footage without a great budget.
Apple boxes are almost guaranteed to make an appearance in one way or the other in your DIY filmmaking career. Trust me, it’s better to have one or two and not need them, than need them and not have them. They are perfect for standing on, sitting on, and raising equipment. Save some cash by building them yourself. Here is a quick and easy tutorial from DustFilms to get your started.
Whether it’s a green screen, interview backdrop, or integral background decoration for a scene, hanging a backdrop can prove to be frustrating at times. The Slanted Lens brings us this super helpful ten-minute tutorial covering all the grounds on how to effectively build and hang a DIY backdrop.
Hopefully these tutorials, hints, and techniques will help you next time on set when a problem arises. There’s accessible equipment all around you that costs next to nothing. Knowing how to fashion it appropriately and practically is the challenge.
Know of any other awesome DIY Filmmaking Hacks and Tips? Let us know in the comments below!
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