STACK #192 Oct 2020

LIFE TECH FEATURE

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The amount of visual and video content that we consume daily is growing at an amazing rate. There is a video for everything; tutorials, podcasts, unboxing and reaction videos are just the tip of the iceberg of some of the most popular genres on YouTube now, but the sky is the limit when it comes to demand for content. And not just that, there is some serious money to be made; whether you’re planning on making the next Academy Award-winning film or becoming a million-dollar YouTube streamer, if you can think of an idea there’s a market for you. Words Tim Lambert CONTENT is KING

Grab a camera, get out there and start filming – challenge what you know about videography, follow your creative instincts and start making something that you love, everything else will follow. Learn how to use your camera – read the manual, play with all the settings. Look for natural light. Film anything that looks interesting to you – you can never have enough footage. Watch tutorials for techniques you don’t understand – there is a plethora of information online to learn. WHERE TO START?

5 TIPS FOR PROFESSIONAL VIDEO

1 Use Your Light Good light is something you absolutely can’t add in post-production – good lighting can make or break your project. If you are filming outside, the sun is your best friend and can’t be replicated. Likewise, the hour just after sunrise and just before sundown is suitably known as the “Golden Hour” and makes for the best shots.

2 Avoid the shake Nothing can ruin a shot like handheld shake – unless of course that's the intention. Most cameras have great stabilisation features, but you can also get smooth transitions and moving shots with a gimbal too.

3 Understanding the rule of thirds The rule of thirds is a guide moreso, and can be bent and broken for dramatic effect, but when starting out it is important to follow it as much as possible.

4 Clean

5 Editing A solid editing plan can make or break a film. Thinking about cohesive colour grading, simple transitions, B-roll execution and audio queues should be prioritised in post- production.

Backgrounds Having a noisy or

messy background can be really distracting and take away from your subject matter. When setting up your framing, take a test photo and scrutinise everything in frame. As Marie Kondo would say, "Does it bring you joy?" If the answer is no, remove from frame.

58 OCTOBER 2020

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