HOW TO MAKE a MINI-MOVIE with your CAMERA PHONE

HOW TO MAKE a MINI-MOVIE with your CAMERA PHONE



Camera phones can’t make a very long film. You will need to make several short films and upload them one at a time.



1) TOPIC. Pick a topic you want to make a mini movie about. Maybe it’s your favorite sport or maybe it’s about your new pet.



2) HELLO. Tell us how you became interested in the topic or any other fun facts. This is a CLOSE UP SHOT. Point the camera at your face or have a friend point it at your face.



Sample script. “I love to play football. I practice in my backyard everyday with my best friend. This is my first year on a team. Come on over and watch my team play.”





3) ACTION: Film the action.



Tips: If the action is small get close up. If the action is large, back up so we can see all of it. Use a MEDIUM SHOT or a LONG SHOT. CLOSE UP if it’s finger painting. LONG SHOT if it’s a football game.



If you are doing the action, have a friend film you. Try to film the exciting part. You need to go to the FRONT OF THE LINE to get the best shots. Tips below.



Sample Film: Bring your camera phone to the football game. Press record and point your camera at the action. Film your team playing football. Get the most exciting shot, like when someone scores a goal!





4) GOODBYE



Say something about your topic then say “GOODBYE.” This shot is a CLOSE UP. Film just like your HELLO.



Sample Script: “Did you see me catch that ball? I love football! Hope you do too. GOODBYE!”





TIPS:



CLOSE UP SHOT: Bring the camera CLOSE to what you are filming. What you are filming will almost film the screen. Don’t go TOO close or we will not be able to tell what we are looking at. It’s good to leave a little space around what you are filming even when you are close up.



MEDIUM SHOT: Usually filming someone from the waist up. Not showing the person’s feet.



LONG SHOT: A far away shot. Standing way back and filming the entire crowd at a football game. Or filming a busy city street from far away so we see all the cars and people.



NICE LIGHTING: Film in a well-lighted area. Disperse light is the BEST. Filming outside on a cloudy day is perfect. Don’t film in front of bright areas like windows. You want the light to shine on the face of the subject not to come from behind. But if the light is too bright it will wash out the face.



BACKGROUND BASICS: Keep the background simple, if you are filming yourself talking (step 1), do it in front of a plain wall, or solid color. If you are filming the action (Step 2) pay attention to what is behind the event you are filming. Does it look cool? Does it distract from the event. If you can, move your action in front of a cool background. If you can’t move your action, maybe you can move your camera angle.



CENTER OF SCREEN: Most shots look best if you place them in the center of the screen before you shoot. We don’t want to see only HALF of your head!



FRONT OF THE LINE: Don’t hang out in the back of the crowd! You want to be in FRONT of the action to get the best shot.



STEADY SHOOTING: Hold your phone still when you are filming. Check the screen to see if you like your picture and start to film. No shaky shots!



LOUD AND CLEAR: Speak close to the microphone that is built into your laptop, usually near the camera. About 5-10 inches or 12-24 cm is good. Too close or too far away won’t sound as good. Film in a quiet area, away from loud noises and wind.



I’M READY FOR MY CLOSE-UP: use as many close shots as possible. Movies look best with LOTS of close-up shots.



EDIT IN-CAMERA- Plan your shots ahead of time and film in the order you need.







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