Hot Film & Theater Posts
How To: Build a pro-sumer Canon HV30 camera rig
Tony Reale shows you how to mod a pro-sumer Canon HV30 camera rig in order to give it a more professional setup. Here are the items he uses:
How To: Make a claymation video
In this Film and Theater video tutorial you will learn how to make a claymation animation video. This is a Zappos how to video. The equipments that you will need for this are a camera on a tripod, a trigger so that your camera stays steady, constant source of light and clay. Make some animation characters with the clay. Start moving your characters around and take a picture of the movement. When you are editing, each picture will take up two frames. If you want to be in slow motion, then put ...
How To: Soften the background by crushing the depth of field
In this Film and Theater video tutorial you will learn about depth of field and how to adjust it. Depth of field means how many objects are in focus in the frame at one focus setting. If the depth of field is large, more objects at various distances from the camera are in focus. The first factor is the amount of light. If the light is good, more objects will remain in focus. On the other hand if you zoomed in with a long focal length lens the depth of field will reduce and lesser objects will...
How To: Knife someone's face with a knife without digital fx
Learn how to knife someone in the face without using digital effects with this video tutorial. You will learn how to perform this effect without needing a computer and without actually hurting someone. You will need a hat and two identical knives. Cut the blade on one of the knives very carefully. Next, affix the knife to the hard hat or whatever hat you are using for this trick. The actor throwing the knife should pretend as though he is throwing the knife, but he won't actually be doing it....
How To: Properly focus your video camera
This video shows you how to properly focus your video camera. Usually cameras have two focusing modes, manual and automatic. Despite the sophistication of modern cameras and their auto focusing modes, manual focusing still gives the person operating the camera the most control. To focus in manual focusing mode you must first focus your eyepiece. To focus your eyepiece fully zoom in on your subject, then rotate your lens' focus ring until the subject becomes sharp and clear. Finally rotate you...
How To: Improve your video quality by lighting each shot
The video producer in this instructional lighting video shows the contrast of how to produce a well lit scene. He first makes a cut out of a piece of foam board, then mounts it, placing it just so. He then position the lighting at an angle that appeals to the viewers and compliments the subject at hand. He also shows the difference between the angle of the camera and how the lighting is positioned. He takes us through the process of how to angle the camera and set up the lighting with minimal...
How To: Make a dramatic film
This tutorial covers some of the basics of dramatic filmmaking. A drama is a film that is character-driven, using the characters' emotional responses to situations to move the story along. Epic and historical dramas put their characters in historical events. Crime dramas are set within the rules and boundaries of reality, but do not have to be linked with any historical event. These films utilize suspense and action to push the characters through the story. Biopics are motion picture biograph...
How To: Use an external monitor with a camcorder
In this video from lunawebs we learn how to use an external monitor with a camcorder. The best way is to use an HDTV and use your HDMI output on the TV. The sound can also come through the monitor if you have a headphone port on the monitor. If you want to go outdoors, it will be more of a challenge. If you do not have an HDMI out on your camera, there is a component you can use. Composite AV outs are cheaper when it comes to monitors and camcorders. If you have a composite monitor, assign th...
How To: Modify a Glidecam with a Steadicam arm and vest
The lady shows how to make the steadicam arm to work with glidecam stabilizer. The steadicam arm is made such as only a steadicam can be fitted on that. The video describes how to make the usable for glidecam with three simple tools ,a 10 ounce hammer ,a long nose player and a flathead screwdriver. First take out the circular clip with which the post is secured with the screwdriver unscrew and pull the post out .Using the hammer straighten the post .The post will have a scratch but the straig...
How To: Use barn door lighting in your studio
Ben for Mechanical Mashup demonstrates how to build a barn door halogen light system for a studio and how to establish right triangles and parallel lined without a square. It is quiet expensive to buy a barn doors according Ben, so it could be built by us. These barn doors can be adjusted anyway we want to. So the barn doors are to be fixed to a halogen light. First thing done is to unscrew the frame of the halogen light. The glass is removed by just bending the frame. Next thing to do is to ...
How To: Assemble a DayFlo-FX 3204 Softbox
This video is a tutorial on how to assemble a DayFlo-FX 3204 Softbox. The instructor begins the video by showing what the DayFlo case looks like before assembly. The first part installed are the diffuser panels, it is also noted that you must remove the protective film from the front panel. The instructor notes that there are holes drilled into each side of the fixture. The next step is to insert the fat tipped ends of the rod into the corner holes and install the rods into the top two corner...
How To: Make a cool movie poster scene
Would you like your own custom movie poster for that amazing film you're working on? Well this YouTube user made a video to show you exactly how to create your own movie poster right in Adobe Photoshop.
How To: Make a movie poster in Adobe Photoshop CS4
Are you in production for the next big blockbuster film? Well you might need a movie poster and this video will help. This video will show you exactly how to conjure up a custom movie poster using Adobe Photoshop CS4.
How To: Make a video camera stabilizer, or fig rig, from PVC
Ben from mechanical mashup shows you how to make a fig rig for a small video camera out of PVC pipe. It gives an ingredient list and tells you the measurements of each piece you must cut. He recommends dry fitting everything at least once, to be sure everything goes together as it should. He then shows how the camera mounts on the rig. In transition of how-to's is a short scene relating to tools, with a man and a boy arguing over ownership. Then Dave shows how to neatly engrave your tools. He...
How To: Do a shot reverse shot setup
This film technique is one that is not only used on movie sets, but with journalists as well. This is a great way to shoot a discussion that is going on between two people. In movies, it's a great way to help add some emotion to a dialogue that both characters are having with one another. In broadcast journalism, the same technique is used in order to portray a relationship between the interviewer and interviewee. It's a great way for them to communicate and is really easy to use. So sit back...
How To: Build an 8000 lumen CFL and a makeshift rain shield
This is a great instructional video on how to build an 8000 lumen CFL and makeshift rain shield. First you need build a PVC frame. For that you will need 3-3/4 'T'S, 4-12" 3/4 pipes,2-2 1/2 " pipes and 4-3/4 caps. You will also need 1-1 " 'T'. 2- 1" 1" pipes and 1-1"-3/4" reducer. Hold the job in a mechanical vice and cut the material into required sizes and make the snap fittings. Then friction fit the rest of the components into this stand. Then lastly you have to make the light box. That i...
How To: Rainproof your camcorder
To rainproof your camcorder start by purchasing a lens hood for it. This lens hood helps to rainproof the camera lens but it also prevents flaring from the sun. Take a zip lock bag and cut the corner off of the bottom so that it creates a hole that is big enough for the lens hood to fit through. Put the camera in the bag and push the lens hood through the hole in the bottom of the bag. Take a rubber band and wrap it around the outside of the plastic bag just behind the lens hood to keep water...
How To: Make your video transfer faster with solid state media
In this video from lunawebs they show you how to transfer video from your camera to your computer as quickly as possible. If you're using a camera with a mini DV tape there's not much you can do to speed it up. If you're on a memory card it can be done. Take your memory card and plug it directly into your computer if it has a slot. If it doesn't, you can buy a USB card reader and plug in your memory card into that, and then plug into your USB port. There's no time loss here and a USB reader i...
How To: Steady your shots with a homemade fig rig
This video tutorial is going to show you how to steady your shots with a homemade fig rig. The camera is mounted right in the middle of the top bar and it uses the iron as the balancing mechanism. The official fig rig is about $300. But, the one shown in the video will cost you around $10. Cut a PVC pipe about 2 feet in length and glue on two T joints on either end parallel to each other. Now fix the two feet into the T joints as shown in the video. The larger the camera, the longer will be t...
How To: Apply a wound with gel filled silicone & movie makeup
Cinema Makeup School instructor Greg McDougall goes through the steps your need to know in order to create a silicone wound on a student. He starts off by explaining the products needed in order to get the best results. Greg then proceeds to apply and explain how to place a prosthetic piece on your face and how to get it to blend into your skin color. After apply the prosthetic he begins to color in the wound to make it look more realistic. To finish off and get the best result you apply fake...
How To: Use lighting ratios for film and video shoots
This is an absolutely fundamental concept and is important to development as a filmmaker. It's a really simple pice of shorthand that cinematographers and gaffers use to keep track of lighting setups across different shooting days. It's called a lighting ratio or a contrast ratio.
How To: Key out a green screen background in Final Cut Pro
Let FiveSprockets help you get rid of the green screen effect in your videos and add great backgrounds to your movies at home! By using the Final Cut Pro program, follow along as you set your green screen clip in the display. From there you select the Effects, then Video Filter and follow it down into the Key menu. Grab the eyedropper and select the green color and make it fade away with just a few simple clicks. You can crop out any areas that didn't fade away, or use the softening tool to f...
How To: Build scrolling credits in Final Cut and Photoshop CS3
In this video you will learn how to build scrolling credits in Final Cut and Photoshop CS3. He begins by showing you how to do it on Photoshop CS3. He does this by having his own finished credits and the steps you need to take to set up your own. Then, he moves on to Final Cut and drags his Photoshop credits into Final Cut. He explains how it may be off a little in size, but you can readjust everything for accuracy. This is all done through his computer and with vocals.
How To: Create your own functional green screen
This video tutorial show you how to make your own functional green screen to create special effects. If you try to isolate a subject on a film with a dynamic background there is a good chance to loose parts of the subjects during the process. By using a monochromatic background this can be prevented. For this you'll need large foam boards, bright green paint and a roller made for smooth surfaces. Spray painting doesn't work and results in a blotchy finish. Paint the boards evenly with the gre...
How To: Light an interior space while filming on a budget
In this video from FiveSprockets we learn how to light an interior space while filming on a budget. For this you need two Chinese lanterns which he found for $2.95 each. You need 2 light bulbs which he found for $3.95 each. Make sure you get extra ones. Then get a couple of pan lights. They are day light and mood light. They were $7 and $5. You also need a multi colored gel pack which is $6.00. He uses C-stands to hold the lights up but he suggests coming up with other ways if you don't have ...
How To: Project your voice on stage
Theater acting is a fun and creative art form but it can be difficult to project your voice loud enough for the audience to hear if you are use to speaking softly. With a few exercises and practice anyone can have a booming voice.
How To: Make your own camera dolly
If you’re into cinematography try creating your own dolly camera platform to get those seamless tracking shots. This is a fun project that will allow you to take your film to the next level, or at least get the shot you want.
How To: Use a Light Meter for Correct Film and Video Lighting
Know a little bit about film lighting, but can't quite grasp the concept of using light meters to measure light for proper exposure? You can't rely on your video camera to accurately capture what you see, so you need light meters to properly and accurately capture what you have created on set.
How To: Use a green screen for a website spokesperson effect
Tom of Videomaker teaches how to use the green screen to make a character appear in front of a set or to achieve the website spokesperson effect. Install a green screen in such a way that the fold at the corner of the wall and the ground is instead curved in order to create an even transition from the top to the bottom of the green screen. Build the base at the bottom part of the screen by weighing down the fabric at the corners and stretch it evenly. Light the green screen separately from th...
How To: Make edible realistic fake blood
This video will show you how to make realistic edible fake blood. You will need the following: A tablespoon, container, red food color, a glass of water, syrup and flour. Mix three tablespoons of syrup, one tablespoon of food coloring and one tablespoon of water. Add one tablespoon of flour and mix well. You will end up with a very realistic looking edible fake blood.
How To: Use an outdoor green screen
Tom Skowronski teaches the secrets of using an outdoor green screen. An excellent summary is given below. First check the advantages of using green screen outdoor like a lot of space, sufficient light. In the same way check some disadvantages like noises from birds, children. For the screen materials you can use paper which is cheaper but it cannot be controlled if wind blow. You can also use a board or even paint a wall green which will be better. Now to set up the screen use the screen rods...
How To: Cut video transitions for action scenes
Associate editor Tom Skowronski of Videomaker demonstrates how to cut video transitions for action scenes. Create an illusion of continuity by keeping only key shots of continuous motion, while taking out aspects that slow the pacing of the video. Use the technique of 'cutting on the action' to transition from one video clip to another clip of the same action. Maintain screen direction between shots by making sure that any moving subject is always moving in the same direction on screen across...
How To: Edit footage from a Canon 7D at 1080 24p using Avid
The video shows us how to edit footage from Canon 7D at 1080/24p using Avid Media Composer. Canon 7D is first of the video DSLR which is actually an easily editable of an Avid media composer. If you are shooting a project at 1080 24P, then Canon 7D records the footage at 23.98 which is perfectly compatible and tested with Avid. Firstly create a new 1080/24P project. Now import footage from a CF card in DNxHD codec. Then edit the time line in real-time apply the real-time effects but here the ...
News: Rubik's Puzzle-Head Is Super Freaky
This rubik's-style, puzzle head was created for a commercial for Drench, a British soft drink. How'd they do it?? 3D Studio Max? After Effects? Anybody know? Nonetheless, awesome special effect.
How To: Make plastic costume chainmail
Learn how to make plastic costume chain mail for all your LARPing and Halloween needs. 1 Purchase enough 12" silver binding coil from the displayed suppliers for your project. 2 Using needle nose pliers, cut the rings as shown in the video. Make sure that there is plenty of overlap so the rings will stay closed. 3 Flatten the edge of the cut rings with your pliers. 4 Start to combine the rings together using the European 4 in 1 weave pattern. 5 Build squares of chain mail following this patte...
How To: Prepare H.264 video footage for quick editing
This tutorial from LoadedNewsletter's Jonathan Jelkin gives a simple process on how to prepare H.264 video footage for quick editing. H.264 video footage is shot by popular cameras such as the Canon 5d/7d, Flip cam, GoProHD. This is a great format for straight upload to YouTube, but if you want to edit you need to transcode it to something else. The first step is to download and install a free program called MPEGSTREAMCLIP. Once it is installed you can process all of your files by loading the...
How To: Style a synthetic fiber wig with boiling water
One of the drawbacks of synthetic, as opposed to human hair, wigs is that they can be difficult to style. Fortunately, while hair irons may be a no-go for styling synthetic wigs, you can get great results by submerging your wig in a container of boiling water.
How To: Apply four styles of lighting
This video tutorial will show you how to apply four styles of lighting. This video teaches you how to apply four styles of lighting, namely Rembrandt, Beauty, Cameo and filling in from the Key Side. You will learn about high contrast lighting schemes, dealing with the amount of contrast used to highlight a person's face, as well as spotlight effects, and how these tend to draw the viewer into the scene. You will be shown how the Rembrandt Lighting setup contains three steps, namely taking a K...
How To: Paint a prosthetic wound
This video describes the coloring techniques to make a realistic gelatine prosthetic wound. The presenter chooses to use grease paint as it applies easily to the rubber gelatine wound mold. First, apply a base color to mimic that flesh tone around the wound and blend it until it matches the skin tone. Next the presenter applies red and pink tones to the wound, the idea is to mimic the color of raw meat. Highlights are then applied inside the wound to simulate fat underneath the top layer of s...
How To: Make fake blood like the pros
A tutorial and demonstration on how to make fake blood. Things you'll need: 8 tbsp. corn syrup, 1 tsp. red dye, 1 1/2 drops blue dye, 1 tsp. cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp. corn starch. Combine all the ingredients in an empty container. Mix well until everything is well incorporated. Make necessary adjustments to the ingredients if needed. Follow these steps and You'll be able to make a fake blood.